Physics Laboratory Technician 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)

Annual salary increase

Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Hours

9 days per 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

2 years 4 months

Positions available

3

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 Physics Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you will spend the first few weeks of your apprenticeship within AWE’s Skills Academy before moving out into placements within the business. Experimental Physics at AWE involves the study of unusual materials in extreme conditions. Placements range from working with high power lasers to diagnosing high explosives.

During the time in placements, you will undertake and complete various laboratory-based projects which will enable you to develop a complete set of skills and knowledge required to work successfully at AWE.

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

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
Complete documentation proficiently
Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
Contribute to the preparation of reports.
Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results
Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
Complete documentation proficiently
Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
Contribute to the preparation of reports.
Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results

Your training plan

Qualification: Level 3 Laboratory Technician.

Training schedule has yet to be agreed. At least 20% of your apprenticeship wil be dedicated to training and study of the skills, knowledge and behaviours of the standard. Details will be made available at a later date.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

3 x further GCSES (grade 4/C or above)
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
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working
Health & Safety Aware
Passion & Motivation

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

Following the successful completion of the programme, you will move into a role within the business. This is typically a role where you have completed a placement as a part of the programme. From here, you will build your career as an AWE employee.

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