Control and Instrumentation 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: Maintenance and operations engineering 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: 14

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

Control and Instrumentation (C&I) is one of the critical professions at AWE, playing a vital role in our mission to keep the nation safe and secure. As a C&I engineer, you will work on systems that measure and control various processes essential to our operations.

C&I engineers develop and maintain systems that monitor and adjust different aspects of complex operations, such as the flow of water, or the temperature of a room, or the controlling and operating of our Orion LASER system. Your role will involve creating, simplifying, and automating these processes to ensure they function safely & seamlessly at the touch of a button.

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

Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Your training plan

You'll attend a range of lectures designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of a wide range of circuits and systems. Importantly, you will also

learn and develop vital control and instrumentation skills by completing various projects. Once your training at the Academy is complete, you'll move to the highly practical, on-site phase of training. Taking part in a variety of different placements, you will use your new skills to maintain, repair, install and calibrate equipment that is used across AWE.

More training information

During your first 18 months at AWE, you will train in our Skills Academy, as well as attend day release at college. After 18 months you will join the qualified trades people onsite where you will receive on-the-job training as an C&I engineer. Typically, this will involve six separate three-month placements, which will broaden your C&I knowledge and expose you to the full spectrum of our plant and facilities.

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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