Electronic Design Apprentice

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)

Annual salary increase

Training course

Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (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 college training times.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Wednesday 27 August

Duration

6 years 6 months

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

As an Electronic Design Apprentice, you will spend your first two years of training at the Skills Academy producing several electronic projects, whilst also attending college part-time (to complete your HNC). These projects will help you to develop your skills and knowledge in basic electronic theory, components, basic circuit design, circuit construction and reporting.

You will then spend 2 years on four 6-month placements at AWE whilst also completing your HND.

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

FARNBOROUGH COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Your training course

Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents

Design functional electronic systems and circuits from component level
Utilise modern CAD technology to implement circuit design with understanding of considerations for heat dissipation, electrical interference and other industry specific considerations affecting layout
Write and document structured code to comply with industry norms and to allow others to understand and subsequently maintain/modify the code
Utilise modelling techniques for circuit design, embedded software development and thermal management
Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of design for market, design for manufacturability, design for testability and design for maintainability
Ability to develop a test plan for a product that they have developed
Ability to explain the process by which a product is introduced into production, including what aspects are discussed at what stage and with whom and how development gateways work
Ability to develop a basic project plan including resource planning, time planning, use of contingencies etc. Also techniques for predicting pinch points and strategies for timescale recovery
Awareness of international standards and compliance requirements for the products designed by the employer. Ability to discuss the differences between legislative and non-legislative requirements
Ability to demonstrate knowledge of basic business fundamentals including costs, overheads, gross margin, net margin, profit, and cash
Ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of basic health and safety principles both in the general workplace and specific to electronic circuit design

Your training plan

Level 6 Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (degree) apprenticeship standard

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

3 x further subjects (grade 4/C or above)
English (grade 4/C or above)
Maths (grade 4/C or above)

Other in:

Electronic Engineering (grade Pass 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
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/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 potential career within AWE plc in the Engineering environment may be available to the right candidate.

Ask a question

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