Graduate- Programme & Project Management - Aldermaston

Graduate- Programme & Project Management – Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4PR

Job Type: Full-TimeSalary: Negotiable

Project Management and Delivery Graduate Programme 2026

Starting salary £31,000 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.

PLEASE NOTE WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT ONE APPLICATION PER CANDIDATE PER YEAR. ANY DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE WITHDRAWN.

Our two-year Evolve programme offers you an exciting opportunity to join our Project Management and Delivery career pathway. We\’re looking for amazing graduates and aspiring future leaders to join us and shape the future of AWE.

About us:

We\’re a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK\’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies.

Our work is critical. We\’re delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK\’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that\’s just part of the story.

We support the UK government in a range of vital areas – from counter-terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security.

At AWE, you\’ll find more than just a job. You\’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you\’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique.

Be extraordinary at AWE.

Entry requirements

• Ideally we are after those who are studying or have studied a degree in project management or business management, but we are open all degree disciplines. Before starting with the business, you will need to be able to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree .

• You must be able to join AWE in September 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.

• Graduated from your degree between 2023- 2026.

• Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

What to Expect on the Programme

The Projects and Programmes teams are key enablers of AWE\’s mission. As part of the Project Management and Delivery function you will apply and grow your skills, knowledge and experience and learn more about what you enjoy and where you want to take your career.

You could start your journey in any of our project areas, focusing on the disciplines within Project Management/Delivery or Project Control. It\’s all about learning about the business, building your leadership skills and having some great experiences.

• During the programme there will be opportunities to (including but not limited to):

• Learn about leadership in a large organisation

• Get involved in all aspects of delivering a project.

• Understand how a complex organisation works and fits together

• Develop further in an area of particular interest in year 2

• Take part in potential placements working in project teams on Major New Build projects / Science / Stockpile / Replacement Warhead / Nuclear Threat Reduction.

• Undertake internal and external training

The structured programme comprises of a series of placements (outlined above) to help accelerate your learning and advance the development of your skillsets. You\’ve got the potential, and we\’ll prepare you for the future. You will also get the opportunity to start working towards chartership.

Step into a world where your ideas matter and your ambition takes flight. Start your journey in national security with AWE-apply now and shape the future.

The application process

We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we\’ve kept it simple with a three step process.

Online application: Apply for one pathway; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.

Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage . These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Don\’t be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect.

Virtual assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to our virtual assessment centres . These run throughout November into December 2025 – we\’ll confirm the exact dates in an email. We run pre-assessment centre webinars to guide you on what to expect.

Reasonable adjustments:

Our aim is to make you feel confident and informed throughout your journey with us: we\’re not trying to catch you out. Our ambition is to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. Our mission relies on the diversity and our people being able to bring their energy to work and perform their best.

We encourage diverse applicants and we\’re here to support you all the way. We encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments on your application. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR. Learn about how we handle your data.

Why us?

Build your career as future leader

Our focus lies on a number of key themes such as: \’self and team awareness\’ – providing an opportunity to better understand your own strengths and how these could contribute effectively to collaborative situations.

Create your network

AWE\’s early careers community is full of energy, connection, and opportunity. You\’ll find plenty of ways to get involved through events organised by our ERG s , spontaneous activities and the Recreation Society. It\’s a space where you can build relationships, share experiences, and enjoy life beyond your role.

Continual support to grow

You will be supported by a dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead who will help your transition into the business, provide pastoral support and work with you on your development journey. You will be aligned to a \’buddy\’, who will normally be a fellow graduate from an earlier cohort.

Benefits:

• £31,000 starting salary

• Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays

• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene

• 9-day working fortnight – so every other Friday off

• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme

• A welcome payment

• An option of an interest free loan of £1,000 as well as regular Graduate pay reviews

• A structured and supported career progression

• Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to our Occupational Health Services

Who we\’re looking for:

We\’re looking for people who are naturally curious, enjoy solving complex problems, and aren\’t afraid to ask questions when things don\’t quite make sense. You\’ll bring a dependable, team-focused mindset and a willingness to learn because in a unique, classified environment like ours, trust and integrity are key.

You\’ll thrive at AWE if you\’re resilient, eager to grow and excited to apply your skills to real-world challenges. You\’ll embrace our behaviours: connecting with respect, keeping our promises, staying safe and secure, and embracing simplicity.