Job Title
2026 Apprenticeship (UK) Mechanical
Location and Telework
Work Location: Reading (UK)
Telework Type: Part‑time (2 days/week)
The Customer – AWE
For more than 75 years, Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has supported the UK Government’s nuclear defence strategy and the Continuous at Sea Deterrent. They use nuclear know‑how and technical expertise to provide innovative solutions that support the UK’s counter‑terrorism and nuclear threat reduction activities. Like Bechtel, they create and maintain a safe operating culture where safety is front and centre of everything they do. From building state‑of‑the‑art facilities, to supporting Production, Science, Engineering and Technology programmes, the management of Environment, Safety, Health and Wellbeing underpins all activities at AWE.
Project Summary
Bechtel is collaborating with AWE as an integrated team to deliver the preliminary design for the facilities within the Future Materials Campus. Since 2023, Bechtel has provided delivery and technical support, ensuring the project is completed on schedule and within budget.
Position Summary
This position is for a Mechanical Apprentice who will work a multi‑year contract on a United Kingdom (UK) nuclear infrastructure programme for which Bechtel are providing the Project Management and Engineering services. This project is at the conceptual design phases driving a programme involving a multi‑billion‑pound investment in nuclear and non‑nuclear facilities.
The Apprentice Mechanical Engineer will be a proactive and driven individual who will support the Discipline Mechanical Engineers for engineering activities related to the planning, design, execution, and close‑out of mechanical activities. You will also support the wider design team. You will be responsible for understanding customer requirements and supporting the technical guidance presented by the design team. You will support the quality of technical information coming out of the design team, ensuring that it is relevant, timely and accurate. You will assist in detailed design engineering efforts, which may include the delivery of technical documents, execution of engineering schedule activities, quality checks, and overall project delivery.
You will have the ability to work independently or as part of a small team, use engineering judgment, and learn new approaches to solving problems. In addition, you will help others in resolving technical or procedural problems or issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate under the supervision of vertical leaders and work closely with team leads and supervisors for day‑to‑day activities.
- Learn various systems and procedures used by these verticals.
- Prepare weekly/monthly reports and activities, including developing and utilizing databases.
- Shadow and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
- Assist with day‑to‑day tasks and projects.
- Participate in training sessions and workshops to enhance skills.
- Conduct research and analysis as required.
- Contribute innovative ideas and solutions to ongoing projects.
Education and Experience
- Ideally educated to A Level standard, or equivalent, complying with degree entry requirements.
Skills and Qualifications
- Excellent skills in oral and written communication.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office.
- General understanding of mechanical design processes and deliverables.
- Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Relevant industry experience.
- Must be able to obtain an SC Clearance for access to the AWE Site.
Other
The role will be based primarily at Aldermaston UK, but travel to Bechtel’s London office may also be required. Flexibility in work locations includes three days per week working at the project site and two days working from home or the Bechtel office. This arrangement will change as project needs adjust. The position is open to United Kingdom (UK) nationals only. This position is also subject to a successful interview and agreement upon terms and conditions of employment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
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