Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3, advanced)

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Gosport; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting salary £16,750; rising to £24

Pension scheme

270 hours annual leave + every other B

Job summary

Atomic Weapons Establishment in the UK offers a Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3, advanced) based at Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire. You will learn practical laboratory skills while studying at college, under the Defence Radiation Protection Services team, to build a career in science.

Starting salary is £16,750 per year, rising to £24,500 in Year 2, with additional increases on milestones.

Qualifications

• No prior laboratory experience required; willing to learn.
• British Nationals aged 18+ by 31 August 2027.
• Achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above.
• Interest in science and laboratory work.
• On-site work at Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire.

Responsibilities

• Work safely in a laboratory and protect yourself, others and the environment.
• Handle, store and dispose of laboratory materials safely.
• Follow good laboratory practice and quality checks.
• Prepare and process samples ready for testing.
• Carry out scientific tests and interpret results.
• Record results clearly and report findings.
• Use, check and look after laboratory equipment.
• Follow step-by-step procedures and communicate findings.

Skills

Interest in science

Curious and eager to learn

Attention to detail

Follow instructions

Communication skills

Teamwork

Health and safety awareness

Education

GCSEs including English, Maths and Science

Tools

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (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.

About the apprenticeship

Based within Defence Radiation Protection Services (DRPS) at Alverstoke, you will join a team of scientists and technicians who help monitor radiation exposure and support safety across UK defence programmes. You will work in a unique scientific environment, helping with practical laboratory work that supports people, the environment and national security. This apprenticeship combines practical, hands‑on laboratory experience with academic study at college, providing you with the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed to build a successful career in science. Throughout the programme, you will work alongside experienced scientists and technicians. You will learn how laboratories operate, how samples are prepared and tested, and how results are recorded and reported. You will also learn why accuracy, safety and following procedures are so important in a scientific workplace.

What you will learn during your apprenticeship

• Work safely in a laboratory and understand how to protect yourself, others and the environment
• Handle, store and dispose of laboratory materials safely
• Follow good laboratory practice and understand why quality checks matter
• Prepare and process samples ready for testing
• Carry out scientific tests and understand what the results mean
• Use, check and look after laboratory equipment
• Record results clearly, look for patterns and report your findings
• Work carefully, accurately and follow step‑by‑step procedures
• Solve problems and suggest ways to improve how work is done
• Communicate clearly and work well with other people

Opportunities after completing your apprenticeship

After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you would move into a laboratory technician role within DRPS at Alverstoke, supporting a range of scientific programmes and laboratory activities.

Apprenticeship Standard

ST0248

About you

You do not need previous laboratory experience to apply. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and interested in building a career in science.

Key qualities we’re looking for

• Have a genuine interest in science and laboratory work
• Are curious and enjoy learning new skills
• Work carefully and pay attention to detail
• Can follow instructions and procedures accurately
• Have good communication and teamwork skills
• Take a responsible approach to health and safety
• Are organised and willing to learn
• Enjoy practical, hands‑on activities

Which aspects of the role may appeal to you

• Enjoy science subjects, particularly chemistry or physics
• Like understanding how things work and why things happen
• Enjoy practical investigations, experiments and hands‑on learning
• Are interested in working in a real laboratory environment
• Like solving problems and making sense of results
• Want to learn from experienced scientists and technicians
• Want to start building a long‑term career in science

Entry Requirements

Applicants must: Achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including: English Language 4/C or above; Mathematics 4/C or above; Science grade 6/B or above (Combined Science or a separate science subject). Applicants who are studying relevant science qualifications at college are encouraged to apply. Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

The Benefits

• A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing to £24,500 in Year 2, with further annual salary increases throughout your apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory performance and achievement of apprenticeship milestones
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off as part of AWE’s flexible working pattern
• Access to employee discounts portal – everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services

Location

Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire. Due to the nature of our work and security requirements, you should expect to work on‑site during your apprenticeship and in your role after you complete it. Being on‑site means you can learn directly from experienced technical specialists, access hands‑on support, and build valuable connections across the business.

Start Date

1st September 2027

Annual leave policy

Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 1st October 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.

Apprenticeship Duration

24 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment.