At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Operations Apprentice and gain hands-on experience in a unique environment.
- Company: AWE, dedicated to keeping the UK safe and secure through innovative nuclear solutions.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £16,750, increasing annually, plus generous holiday and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission that protects lives while developing your skills in engineering and technology.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including Maths, English, and Science.
Operations Level 3 Apprenticeship - Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4PR
Job Type: Full-TimeSalary: Up to £16750 per annumOperations Apprentice (Level 3 - Advanced)
About AWE
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.
About the apprenticeship:
An Operations Apprentice role at AWE will give you your first steps to a career in a diverse and unique environment, involving Operations, Manufacturing, Science, and Engineering and other key areas of the business.
You will be key to providing manufacturing and assembly capabilities to the defence and security of the United Kingdom. You will experience hands-on production and process operations in a highly regulated and safety conscious working environment.
Here are just some of the exciting opportunities you could get involved with during your placements:
You will spend time in each of our operational areas to understand common tasks, following processes, and delivering work to specific requirements.
You may have the opportunity to carry out practical laboratory analysis, supporting administrative activities, and monitoring physical and environmental health.
You will learn techniques for undertaking experiments within our explosives operational area and the related safety measures required.
You will gain an understanding of organising and planning daily work processes, weekly plans, and safe systems of work, all of which ensure that any works carried out across the site follow the correct process and safety procedures.
You may even carry out science related work such as pulsed power trials, where you\'ll explore the science and technology of accumulating energy over time and releasing it instantly.
Your role can be physically demanding, so you will be required to pass a medical test for general fitness and suitability to work with our unique materials. This includes having a BMI of under 35, a legal requirement for wearing respiratory protection (which you may be required to wear dependant on your role).
Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship:
You are likely to outturn into one of our operational Business Units, but could also apply for roles within some of our other functional areas which could include logistics, science and engineering.
Apprenticeship Standard:
Process Industry Technician (ST1407).
Training Provider:
Basingstoke College of Technology
About you:
A practical aptitude for engineering and technology
Attention to detail
Excellent team working skills
Good communication skills
Awareness of health and safety
Ability to follow instructions
Passionate and self-motivated
Good time management skills (i.e. planning and completing work to schedule)
This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:
Having an eye for detail and an interest in improving things
Reviewing documents and understanding their application in the real world
Having a logical approach to understanding processes
Having a hands-on approach to problem solving
Good manual dexterity for assembly of components
Entry Requirements:
5 GCSE\'s at grade 4/C or above including Maths, English and Science
Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2026 due to security clearance requirements
You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
The Benefits:
A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing to £23,500 in Year 2 and annually throughout your apprenticeship - subject to meeting key milestones and performance expectations.
Market leading contributory pension scheme
Generous holiday entitlement of 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off
Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field whilst helping us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions.
Location:
Aldermaston/Reading area
Start Date: Tuesday 1st September 2026
Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 2nd October 2026 due to mandatory inductions you are required to complete as part of your apprenticeship. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.
Duration:
36 months plus End Point Assessment
Recruitment Process:
This vacancy will close on 22 nd February 2026 , but we review applications as they come in-so we strongly encourage you to apply early.
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 apprenticeship; 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.
In person assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to an in person assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 26th January 2026, 6th February 2026 and 9th and 16th March 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, we\'ll keep all applicants informed throughout the process
These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.
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.
Contact us
If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at
Operations Level 3 Apprenticeship - Aldermaston employer: AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
At AWE, we offer a unique opportunity to embark on a meaningful career in the defence and security sector, where your work directly contributes to national safety. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, with competitive benefits including a market-leading pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. Join us in Aldermaston, where you'll learn from industry leaders and be part of a community dedicated to excellence and innovation.
Contact Detail:
AWE Nuclear Security Technologies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Level 3 Apprenticeship - Aldermaston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research AWE and its mission. Understanding their values and goals will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your in-person assessment, try out some mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when it’s your turn to shine at AWE.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the assessment, be ready to demonstrate your practical aptitude and problem-solving abilities. Bring examples of past experiences where you've successfully tackled challenges, especially in a team setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your assessment, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar as they make their decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Level 3 Apprenticeship - Aldermaston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Take Your Time with the Online Application:Don’t rush through your application! We want to see your personality shine through, so take your time to explore the options and choose the apprenticeship that fits you best. Make sure to highlight your skills and experiences that relate to the role.
Prepare for the Online Test:Once you submit your application, you might be invited to take an online test. Don’t sweat it! We provide practice assessments, so make sure to use them. Familiarise yourself with the types of questions you'll face, especially in numerical and logical reasoning.
Be Ready for the In-Person Assessment:If you ace the online test, you’ll be invited to an in-person assessment. This is your chance to show us what you’re made of! Prepare by thinking about how you can demonstrate your teamwork and problem-solving skills during the activities.
Apply Early Through Our Website:We review applications as they come in, so don’t wait until the last minute! Applying early gives you a better chance to stand out. Head over to our website and get your application in – we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand AWE's mission and the specifics of the Operations Level 3 Apprenticeship. Familiarise yourself with their work in nuclear science and technology, as well as the importance of safety and security in their operations.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for engineering and technology during the interview. Share examples of projects or experiences that highlight your practical aptitude and interest in improving processes. This will show them you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely excited about this opportunity.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Think of scenarios where you've had to follow strict instructions or work safely in a team. Be ready to discuss how you approach tasks and ensure safety measures are followed.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the training you'll receive, the types of projects you'll be involved in, or how success is measured in the apprenticeship. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
