Design and Construction Management 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

£22,250 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary increases annually

Training course

Design and construction management (degree) (level 6)

Hours

9 day fortnight. 33 hrs on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day. 41 hrs on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs. Please note hours may alter due to University training times.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Wednesday 27 August

Duration

4 years 4 months

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

As a Design and Construction Management Degree Apprentice, you will learn design, technical and management skills, and how to apply scientific principles and practical knowledge in constructing buildings to meet building performance criteria. You will gain a sound understanding of advanced computer technology in 3D Computer Aided Design and visualisation, as well as knowledge in the production of design details, and of administering contracts and projects to fulfil client and current regulatory needs.

You will then undertake focused professional engineering placements involving industrial areas such as explosive processing buildings, infrastructure, utilities and nuclear installations. You will gain an appreciation of the additional challenges and safety requirements of providing engineering services in such an environment throughout the engineering lifecycle (Design, Construction, Commissioning, Operations).

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

LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY

Your training course

Design and construction management (degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents

S1 Client and User Requirements: Be able to identify and assess client and user requirements and conduct feasibility studies so that the design reflects client needs.
S2 Sustainability: Be able to identify, assess and manage sustainable solutions to client requirements and minimise environmental impact of project over building lifecycle.
S3 Health and Safety: Be able to identify, assess and manage hazards and risks throughout the project lifecycle.
S4 Project Management: Be able to select, form and manage the project team and agree responsibilities and processes.
S5 Regulations: Be able to assess, advise and meet statutory regulations and legal constraints.
S6 Design Development: Be able to prepare, present and agree proposals for project briefs, make recommendations, develop programmes and develop detailed designs for construction.
S7 Specifications and Information Management: Be able to identify and prepare detailed designs and manage the project model (BIM), including integrating, evaluating and recommending changes.
S8 Tenders and Contracts: Be able to select and evaluate tenders, choose and agree appropriate specialist contractors and control contractual compliance during construction.
S9 Value Management: Be able to work with the project team to enhance value and/or reduce costs while meeting the project brief.
S10 Risk Management: Be able to identify, assess and manage threats and hazards while optimising project opportunities.
S11 Project Handover: Be able to manage project handover and completion and assemble operations and Maintenance Manuals for the building's end users.

Your training plan

This training plan has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Additional GCSEs (x3) (grade C or 4 and above)
English and Maths (grade B or 5 and above)
Relevant subjects (x2) (grade A-C grades)
HNC/HND - Construction and Build Environment (grade Pass)
L4 Standard - Construction, Design & Build Tech (grade Pass)

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
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
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 for a role with us.

About this company

For nearly 73 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/ (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

Career in engineering or further relevant CPD opportunities.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: