Chemistry Laboratory Technician - Level 3 Apprenticeship

Prospects; Gosport; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE invites applications for an onsite laboratory-based apprenticeship at Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire. You will work under experienced scientists to learn hands-on techniques, follow strict procedures, and contribute to practical experiments in a safety-conscious environment.

Core requirements include GCSEs as specified, eligibility as a British National, and the ability to obtain security clearance. Start dates and assessment timelines are published by the Defence Radiation Protection

Qualifications

• GCSEs: 5 passes at grade 4/C or above including English and Maths; Science at 6/B or above.
• Must be a British National and aged 18+ by 31 August 2027.
• Willing to obtain and maintain security clearance for the role and work in designated areas.

Responsibilities

• Support practical science and radiation safety in an onsite laboratory.
• Help prepare and test samples and use laboratory equipment.
• Record and report results accurately.

Skills

Practical science

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

GCSEs including English & Maths (5 GCSEs)

Science at grade 6/B

Job description

Why this role matters

Support practical science and radiation safety in a unique laboratory environment. Based within Defence Radiation Protection Services at Alverstoke, you’ll help prepare and test samples, use laboratory equipment and record and report results accurately.

Entry requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English and Maths, plus Science at grade 6/B or above.

Applicants must be British Nationals and aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

Security clearance You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role and work in designated areas.

Location Onsite at Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire

Key dates

Applications close: 8 November 2026 | Assessment centre: 19 January 2027 | Start date: 1 September 2027

Why being onsite will support your development

This is an onsite laboratory-based apprenticeship. Being onsite means you can learn directly from experienced scientists and technicians, use specialist equipment safely and build confidence in a real laboratory environment.

The key skills we’re looking for

• Practical science: You enjoy experiments, hands‑on learning and understanding how things work.
• Attention to detail: You can follow procedures carefully and record results accurately.
• Safety awareness: You take a responsible approach to protecting yourself, others and the environment.
• Teamwork: You can communicate clearly, ask questions and learn from experienced colleagues.

Where this apprenticeship could take you

After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you would move into a laboratory technician role within Defence Radiation Protection Services at Alverstoke, supporting scientific programmes and laboratory activities.

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure. Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe. 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 nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.