Operations Apprenticeship
AWE PLC
Berkshire, RG7 4PR
Closes on Friday 31 January
Posted on 9 October 2024
Contents
Summary
AWE’s support for the government’s strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UK’s counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.
- Annual wage
- £16,750 a year
- Training course
- Process industry manufacturing technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
9 day fortnight.
33 hours on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day.
41 hours on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs.
Typical working hours are 7.40am to 4.35pm.
37 hours a week
- Possible start date
-
Wednesday 27 August
- Duration
-
3 Years
- Positions available
-
20
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
An Operations Apprentice role at AWE will give you your first steps to a career in a diverse and unique environment, involving Manufacturing, Science, and Engineering and other key areas of the business. This would suit candidates that are looking for a new career where a keen eye and precision is a fundamental requirement.
You will have a unique opportunity to work in a variety of placements around our business and will spend the first few weeks of your apprenticeship in the AWE’s Skills Academy before moving out into placements within the operations environment. Your learning will be both hands-on assembling components, and office-based where you will gain an understanding of the processes and procedures, to remain compliant with site safety.
You will be key to providing manufacturing and assembly capabilities to the defence and security of the United Kingdom. You will deliver hands-on production and process operations in a highly regulated and safety conscious working environment.
Your role can be physically demanding, so you will be required to pass a medical test for general fitness and suitability to work with our unique materials. This includes having a BMI of under 35, a legal requirement for wearing respiratory protection (role dependent).
Where you’ll work
Atomic Weapons Establishment
Aldermaston
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 4PR
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
BASINGSTOKE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Your training course
Process industry manufacturing technician (level 3)
Equal to A level
Course contents
Your training plan
- Aldermaston (Reading / Basingstoke area) with flexibility moving around sites including Tadley and Burghfield.
You will attend Basingstoke College of Technology for your technical certificate.
You will visit several placements during your apprenticeship to learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- 2x Further GCSEs (grade C/4 or above)
- English (grade C/4 or above)
- Maths (grade C/4 or above)
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- Science (grade 4/C or above)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
Other requirements
Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2025 due to security clearance requirements You must be a British National to apply You must hold at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (2 of which must include English and Maths) Those with a L3 Diploma in Engineering or similar, you should consider applying for a degree level apprenticeship.
About this company
For nearly 72 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent – Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions. Our role in nuclear defence and what we do to support the UK’s nuclear deterrent, is vital in defending our country from the most extreme threats and to keeping the peace.
https://www.awe.co.uk/careers/early-careers/apprenticeships/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
Contributory pension scheme Holiday entitlement of 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off - Access to employee discounts portal - Employee Assistance - Programme and Occupational Health Services
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
- A career in AWE plc Operation productions
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BASINGSTOKE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
earlycareers@awe.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000215999.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 31 January
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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.
Company’s application instructions
Online application through link provided.