Electrical Maintenance Apprenticeship

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
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Installation and maintenance electrician (level 3)
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8.25 hours Alternate Fridays: 8 hours TBC.
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Wednesday 27 August
Duration: 3 Years
Positions available: 10

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

During your first 18 months at AWE, you will train in our Skills Academy, as well as attend day release at college.

This is where you learn all about electrical theory, cabling and wiring infrastructure. You will then go on to individually produce around 40 small projects, where you will be involved in designing, installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems.

After 18 months you will join the qualified trades people onsite where you will receive on-the-job training as an electrical engineer. Typically, this will involve six separate three-month placements, which will broaden your electrical knowledge and expose you to the full spectrum of our plant and facilities.

These placements can include facility engineering, electrical utilities, and design compliance, & lightning protection systems.

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

AWE PLC

Your training course

Installation and maintenance electrician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Maintain the safety of self and others by applying statutory health and safety policies, procedures, and regulations when conducting electrical work.

Comply with all relevant legislation including environmental, regulations, codes of practice and other relevant information and guidance when planning and performing electrical work in industrial, commercial, and residential environments.

Identify and use personal protective equipment (PPE) that should be used when undertaking electrical work in industrial, commercial, and residential environments.

Carry out work in a tidy and safe manner, including restoration of the work area on completion of work.

Use verbal and written communication techniques suitable for the context, adapting style and use of terminology to suit the audience. Uses industry terminology.

Apply customer service principles and techniques to deliver customer or client service in industrial, commercial and communal residential environments.

Apply relevant legislation; Building Regulations; industry guidance notes; relevant codes of practice, the requirements of the current edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS7671) and other relevant standards while carrying out work.

Understand and apply the practices and procedures for planning and preparing to maintain electrotechnical systems and equipment.

Apply and use necessary mathematical and scientific techniques, formulae, and calculations that underpin an electrician’s work.

Use a range of tools, materials, equipment, and components, including prefabricated, relevant to performing electrical work in industrial, commercial and residential environments.

Design, plan, set up, and install electrical and related electronic systems including terminating and connecting cables in electrical wiring systems, installations, and equipment in commercial, industrial, and residential installations.

Inspect and test new and where applicable existing electrical Installations in industrial, commercial and residential environments using test equipment.

Apply diagnostic and problem-solving techniques to identify, assess and resolve electrical faults in industrial, commercial and residential environments.

Install electrical and electronic equipment and components, including traditional and novel technologies such as connections for EV charge points, battery storage, solar and thermal panels, heating and cooling systems.

Maintain electrical and electronic equipment and components, including traditional and novel technologies such as connections for EV charge points, battery storage, solar and thermal panels, heating and cooling systems.

Carry out and manage own work ensuring work is compliant to the standards required of an electrician working in industrial, commercial, and residential environments.

Record work including the completion and maintenance of work documentation, recording of test results and preparation of appropriate certification.

Use relevant digital learning platforms and business communication and collaboration applications.

Your training plan

During your first 18 months at AWE, you will train in our Skills Academy, as well as attend day release at college. After 18 months you will join the qualified trades people onsite where you will receive on-the-job training as an electrical engineer. Typically, this will involve six separate three-month placements, which will broaden your electrical knowledge and expose you to the full spectrum of our plant and facilities. These placements can include facility engineering, electrical utilities, and design compliance, & lightning protection systems.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4 or above)
Maths (grade 4 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
Problem solving skills
Team working
Health & Safety Aware
Passion & Motivation

Other requirements

• Applicants must be aged 16 or over, as of 31st August 2025 due to security clearance requirements • You must be a British National to apply for a role with us. • You must hold at least 5 GCSEs, all 4 or above (and 2 of which must include Maths & English)

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.

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

After this apprenticeship

There are numerous electrical maintenance roles on site such as power distribution systems installation, electrical testing and inspection, maintenance on both high and low voltage systems and work on lightning protection systems. You will have the oppurtunity to work across the different roles and choose where you'd like to work the most.

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