Computer Aided Design 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)

Salary increases annually

Training course

Engineering design and draughtsperson (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 740am to 435pm.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Wednesday 27 August

Duration

3 years 10 months

Positions available

9

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

A CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design) provides support within Mechanical Engineering Design. You will produce and deliver conceptual designs via 3D modelling and fully engineered 2D drawings for manufacture to defined requirements and company standards using Siemens NX CAD Software.

The first part of your training will be spent at the Skills Academy within the workshop, learning basic hand-fitting skills, milling and turning. This part of the training is essential if you want to be a CAD Technician as you will learn how things are made, how they fit together, gain knowledge of material selection and understand the importance of tolerance. You will also be required to attend a local college on day release.

Once you’ve met the required workshop learning, you will undertake focused professional placements in Design Offices across the business, where you will gain knowledge of the challenges we face, engage in problem-solving, and safety requirements.

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

BASINGSTOKE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Your training course

Engineering design and draughtsperson (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Your training plan

Aldermaston (Reading / Basingstoke area) with flexibility moving around sites including Tadley and Burghfield
You will attend Basingstoke College of Technology for your technical certificate
You will visit several placements during your apprenticeship to learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade C/4 or above)
Maths (grade C/4 or above)
2x Additional (grade C/4 or above)
Science (grade 5 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
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Patience

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 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

Career in engineering or further apprenticeship development opportunities.

Ask a question

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