HR Apprenticeship (Level 3 – Advanced)

AWE; Reading; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market leading contributory pension

Holiday entitlement 270 hours + every

Every other Friday off (flexible)

Employee discounts portal

Employee Assistance Programme

Occupational Health Services

Job summary

AWE is offering an HR Apprenticeship (Level 3 - Advanced) at Green Park, Reading. You will explore Case management, Recruitment, Learning & Development, and HR operations across multiple teams, gaining hands-on experience while supporting national security objectives.

The apprenticeship develops practical HR skills, with placements across the People, Culture and Communication function. Start date 1st September 2027, on-site pattern three days a week, with a structured progression path.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English.
• Applicants must be British Nationals and aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

Responsibilities

• Case management – supporting employee relations processes such as investigations, absence management and disciplinary matters.
• Reward and recognition – supporting pay, benefits and recognising employee achievements.
• Recruitment – helping with internal and external recruitment activity at AWE.
• HR Business Partners – supporting HR across different business areas.
• Learning and Development – supporting training opportunities for AWE employees.
• HR Help Desk – assisting with general HR questions and directing queries to the right team.

Skills

PC literate

Communication skills

Teamwork

Health and safety aware

Following instructions

Concentration

Passion for profession

Education

GCSEs Maths & English grade 4/C or above

Job description

HR 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'll 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.

Be extraordinary at AWE.

About the apprenticeship

People, Culture and Communication is a function in AWE that directly provides services and support to our Workforce, enabling people to carry out their jobs effectively and make the most of their time at AWE. This includes helping people join the organisation, supporting their development, answering HR queries, recognising achievements, and helping managers and employees when workplace issues need to be resolved. On the Human Resources (HR) Apprenticeship, you will gain skills and knowledge in several areas of the People, Culture and Communication function by spending time in different teams. This will help you understand how HR supports both employees and the wider business.

Your placements may include:

• Case management - supporting with employee relations processes such as investigations, absence management and disciplinary matters.

• Reward and recognition - supporting processes linked to pay, benefits and recognising employee achievements.

• Recruitment - helping with internal and external recruitment activity at AWE.

• HR Business Partners - seeing how HR works with different areas of the business to support people, teams and business priorities.

• Learning and Development - supporting training and development opportunities for AWE employees.

• HR Help Desk - helping respond to general HR questions and making sure queries reach the right team.

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship

• Reward Advisor

• HR Coordinator

• HR Advisor

• HR Associate

• HR Analyst

• HR Advisor Onboarding

Apprenticeship Standard

ST0239.

About you

• PC literate

• Good communication skills

• Excellent team working skills

• Health and safety aware

• Effective at following instructions

• Ability to concentrate for long periods

• Passion for your chosen profession

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

• Working as part of a large team to support a common goal

• Helping others

• Working in an office environment

• Planning and being organised

• Understanding how a business works and how HR supports people and teams.

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English

• 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

Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism.

Location

Green Park, Reading. You will usually be expected to work on-site three days a week during your apprenticeship. This gives you the opportunity to learn directly from experienced colleagues, access support and build valuable connections across the business. Your working arrangements may vary depending on business, training and placement requirements.

Start Date: 1st September 2027

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 and any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.

Apprenticeship Duration

18 months plus End Point Assessment