Mechanical 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: Science industry maintenance technician (level 3)
Hours: 9-day fortnight. 33 hours on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day. 41 hours on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs. Typical working hours are 7:40am to 4:35pm.
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Wednesday 27 August
Duration: 3 years 4 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

There is a wide variety of mechanical maintenance roles at AWE/off site Academy, including working with pressurised systems (steam, compressed air, compressed gases), servicing various types of equipment such as vacuum pumps, HVAC fan systems, dynamic and positive displacement pumps, mechanical drive equipment, heat transfer equipment, monitoring systems and specialist equipment used for processing nuclear and explosive materials. There are also roles within specialised teams like Condition Based Monitoring who are the site lead for preventative & reliability maintenance, The Local Exhaust Ventilation team who ensure we keep our high-risk operations, such as machining Beryllium, safe and off-site response, where you will maintain equipment used to respond to off-site incidents.

During the foundation phase of your apprenticeship, you will learn the fundamentals of Mechanical Maintenance. This will act as the building blocks of an interesting career within AWE. Basic skills and knowledge are covered by the Skills Academy where you will start with learning the correct selection and use of hand tools. You will manufacture a range of test pieces to help with your development as a mechanical maintainer, from here you will progress onto carrying out maintenance activities in a simulated environment. Please be aware that this period of your training will be delivered at our off site AWE Apprentice Training Facility. Return transport will be provided from the AWE Aldermaston site and will ensure (where possible) that the journey is complete within your working day.

Once this phase has been completed, taking approximately 18 months, you will move to the Consolidation Phase. This will see you rotate through our Mechanical Maintenance teams located in the various Technology Centres across both AWE Aldermaston and AWE Burghfield sites. Here you will build upon the skills learned during the Foundation phase, working on a wide range of plant and equipment in a real-world environment.

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

Science Industry Maintenance Technician Level 3.

Training schedule has yet to be agreed. Details will be made available at a later date.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

3x Further GCSEs (grade C/4 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
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Patience
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 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 career within AWE plc in the engineering environment.

Ask a question

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