Control and Instrumentation Technical Author 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: Science industry maintenance technician (level 3)
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8.25 hours Alternate Fridays: 8 hours
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Wednesday 27 August
Duration: 3 Years
Positions available: 5

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 apprenticeship, you will learn how to:

Work with advanced measurement systems that monitor pressure, level, flow, temperature, and more.
Develop and implement control systems that adjust processes based on these measurements.
Utilise both hardware and software to design, automate, and maintain machinery and processes.

Technical Authors are specialists who generate written instructions on how to perform technical tasks in a safe, controlled way. At AWE, you will be producing documentation that explains how to safely build, support and service the UK’s nuclear deterrent. This includes:

Collecting and editing complex information.
Producing new documents like manuals and instructions, and updating or rewriting existing documents.
Commissioning photographs or illustrations.
Working on digital or multi-channel content like blogs, e-learning, or podcasts.
Testing what you've written with content users.

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

Science industry maintenance technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Work safely in a science industry environment, understanding personal responsibility for Health, Safety, Environment and Security and principles of risk management.

Participate in continuous performance improvement.

Safely use all necessary equipment, following the appropriate engineering techniques, procedures and methods of relevance to complete the maintenance activity.

Prepare the work area for maintenance of plant, systems or components.

Carry out planned routine and non- routine maintenance activities, effectively, efficiently and safely.

Reinstate the work area after completing the maintenance of plant, systems and components.

Conduct safe and effective exchange of plant and equipment to others and accept and confirm responsibility for the plant and equipment within the work area.

Manufacture or assemble components within skill set.

Develop and apply theoretical knowledge of engineering and its application to the required sector & job ro This should be acquired through a qualification set at level 3 (or above) that is approved by a licensed professional engineering institution.

Your training plan

How your career path will look like:

18 months based in the Skills Academy to develop a basic knowledge of C&I and learn the associated skills. Your knowledge will be furthered through day release at college.
18 months split between 3-month placements within different areas of the business applying your skills in a live working environment. This will include servicing, repairing, and installing various systems to support our facilities.
After 3 years, your apprenticeship is completed and you become a qualified maintenance engineer.
Your final year will be spent building your skills as a Technical Author, gaining a Diploma in Technical Communication.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent 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
Practical Engineering Aptitude

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 at grade 4 or C or above (2 of which must include English and Maths)

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 (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

C&I engineers create, simplify and automate processes. We deal with systems that measure and control all kinds of things - from the flow of water, to the temperature of a furnace. It’s a skill that is in demand across a wide range of industries ranging from car assembly, aircraft maintenance to telecommunications.

Ask a question

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