Graduate Trainee - Commercial - Evolve Graduate Programme 2027

targetjobs UK; Reading; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

270 hours annual leave

9-day fortnight

Welcome payment

Interest-free loan

Salary sacrifice scheme

Life Assurance

Employee discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Occupational Health Services

Placement Manager and buddy

Early Careers community

Job summary

AWE in Reading is offering a Two-year Evolve Graduate Programme with a starting salary of £31,000. You will join a mission-driven team contributing to UK defence, with regular pay reviews and a clear path to professional accreditation.

The programme provides formal training, hands-on experience across commercial disciplines, and exposure to policy, governance, and digital tools. Successful applicants will be British nationals eligible for security clearance and start in September 2027.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree, or equivalent, in any subject.
• British National and security clearance eligibility is required.
• Background in commercial, financial or business-related areas may be helpful but is not essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop commercial strategy approaches to support organisational goals.
• Assist with procurement, negotiation, award and management of contracts.
• Build relationships with strategic suppliers to create sustainable value and innovation.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities, balancing cost, performance and value for money.

Skills

Analytical

Commercial mindset

Collaborative

Proactive

Curious

Growth mindset

Professional

Education

Degree (2:2 or equivalent)

Job description

Why this role matters

Commercial decisions shape how AWE delivers some of the UK's most important national security programmes. From contracts and procurement to supplier partnerships and commercial strategy, you will help teams secure the capability, technology and services needed to deliver our mission.

Accelerate your commercial career

You will join at a time of major investment in UK defence and AWE's infrastructure, technology and capabilities. From the start, you will contribute to meaningful commercial work, learn from experienced professionals and build recognised professional credentials.

At a glance

Salary £31,000 starting salary, plus benefits and regular Graduate pay reviews.

Location Green Park, Reading, Berkshire.

Programme Two-year Evolve Graduate Programme.

Start date September 2027.

Entry requirement Minimum 2:2 degree classification, or equivalent, in any subject. A commercial, financial or business-related background may be helpful but is not essential.

Security You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.

What opportunities will you have?

• Commercial strategy: Help develop approaches that support organisational goals and create long-term value.
• Contracts: Support the procurement, negotiation, award and management of complex contracts.
• Supplier partnerships: Build relationships with strategic suppliers and explore opportunities for sustainable value and innovation.
• Risk and value: Identify commercial risks and opportunities while balancing cost, performance and value for money.
• Insight and influence: Use analysis, market intelligence and commercial insight to support important business decisions.
• Governance: Learn how commercial policy, assurance and governance support robust and compliant decision-making.
• Digital tools: Explore how innovative technology, including AI-enabled solutions, can improve commercial outcomes.

Professional Qualifications And Development

AWE will fully fund your Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) qualification and provide protected study time. You will combine professional accreditation with hands‑on experience across commercial disciplines.

The behaviours and qualities we're looking for

• Proactive: You take ownership, show initiative and follow through on commitments.
• Curious: You ask questions, seek understanding and explore new ideas.
• Growth-oriented: You embrace learning, feedback and continuous development.
• Collaborative: You build positive relationships and work effectively with others.
• Analytical: You use evidence and insight to solve problems and make informed decisions.
• Commercially minded: You are interested in how organisations create value, manage risk and deliver outcomes.
• Professional: You demonstrate integrity, accountability and respect for others.

What you will get

• £31,000 starting salary and regular Graduate pay reviews.
• A market‑leading contributory pension scheme.
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
• A welcome payment and the option of an interest‑free £1,000 loan.
• A salary‑sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• A dedicated Placement Manager and a buddy, typically from a previous Graduate cohort.
• A vibrant Early Careers community and access to staff‑led Equity, Diversity and Inclusion groups.

What happens after you apply

• Online application:Tell us about your interests, experience and motivation for a Commercial career.
• Online assessment:Complete the relevant online assessments. Practice materials will be available.
• Assessment stage:If successful, progress to the next stage of the selection process.
• Offer and clearance: Complete the offer and security‑clearance stages before joining in September 2027.

Reasonable adjustments

We want you to feel confident and supported throughout the application process. Tell us if a reasonable adjustment would help. Any inclusion information will be used only to support your application and handled in accordance with GDPR.