Environment (SHEQ) - Graduate Programme 2026

targetjobs UK; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is offering an exciting opportunity for a graduate Environmental Specialist in Aldermaston. The position, part of the Evolve graduate development scheme, involves developing skills in environmental management, risk assessment, and sustainability initiatives. Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:2 degree in relevant fields and be ready to join by September 2026, along with a range of attractive benefits including a starting salary of £31,000 and a nine-day working fortnight.

Benefits

Starting salary of £31,000

Holiday entitlement of 270 hours annually

9-day working fortnight

Salary-sacrifice benefit scheme

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• You will graduate with a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree.
• Willing to obtain necessary security clearance.
• Curious, problem-solver with integrity and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of AWE’s Environmental Management System.
• Conduct environmental risk assessments.
• Implement AWE’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

Skills

Environmental Risk Assessment

Environmental Management System

Knowledge of environmental legislation

Sustainability assessment tools

Education

Minimum of a 2:2 in degree in relevant science or engineering

Job description

Overview

Starting salary £31,000 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire. Our two-year Evolve graduate development scheme offers you an exciting opportunity to join our SHEQ pathway in Environment. Here you will use your skills, develop new ones and work with remarkable people, in unique facilities, on extraordinary products.

Entry Requirements

• You will graduate with a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree, typically in any of these science or engineering subjects:
• Environment - Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography or Geology
• Before starting with the business, you will need 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.
• 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 first 3 months of the Safety, Health, Environment & Quality pathway will be spent immersing yourself within the SHEQ function understanding fully about AWE business as a whole and your chosen SHEQ function. As a graduate environmental specialist, you will work as part of a team to implement AWE’s Environmental Management System, certified to ISO 14001 (internationally agreed and recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems). The role will involve undertaking environmental risk assessments to identify appropriate control measures, ensuring compliance with Environmental Permits and driving environmental improvements through the delivery of AWE’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, including climate change resilience and transition to net zero plans.

The role offers the opportunity to work across the whole project lifecycle including; design of new facilities, large modifications of existing facilities, production, research & development facilities and decommissioning facilities. The role also provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of how AWE interacts with its regulators.

As an Environmental Specialist you will be working alongside other environmental professionals interfacing with regulators, management, facility operators, infrastructure project delivery and technical support as part of an integrated team.

The Environmental Specialist Will

• Develop understanding of AWE’s Environmental Management System and gain practical implementation in operational areas.
• Gain experience of Environmental Risk Assessment and risk based inspections in line with relevant legislation, industry standards and AWE's policies, procedures and guidance.
• Gain knowledge of radioactive waste management and application of Best Available Technique.
• Develop understanding of AWE’s approach to sustainability including plans for reducing carbon, enhancing biodiversity and embedding the principles of the circular economy.
• Gain experience in sustainability assessment tools including Sustainability Appraisals and Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology.
• Continuously develop understanding of environmental legislation and obligations.

AWE has corporate membership to the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA) and fully supports progression to Chartered Status through IEMA or other appropriate Professional Institute to suit your discipline.

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

Application Process

Our process is designed to be simple, fair and transparent:

• Online Application – Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.
• Online Tests – If shortlisted, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive assessments. Practice materials will be available to ensure you know what to expect.
• Virtual Assessment Centre – Successful candidates will be invited to virtual AC’s running Nov–Dec 2025, with pre-assessment webinars to guide you.

You must be a British National, able to start in September 2026, and eligible for security clearance. Applications close on Friday 24th October, but will close earlier if we receive enough applications, so apply early.

Support & Inclusion

We welcome diverse applicants and strive to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. We encourage requests for reasonable adjustments if required, to ensure you feel able to perform your best. Any information you share will be used only to support you through the process in line with GDPR.

Why AWE?

• Build leadership skills, self-awareness, and teamwork.
• Join a vibrant early careers community with events, ERGs and networking opportunities.
• Benefit from continual support: a line manager, pathway lead, and ‘buddy’ to guide your journey.

Who We’re Looking For

Curious, problem-solvers with integrity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset. You’ll thrive if you’re eager to grow and ready to apply your skills to real-world challenges.