Manufacturing Engineer – Level 6 Apprenticeship 2027

AWE; Reading; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE invites applications for an onsite engineering apprenticeship based at Aldermaston and/or Burghfield. You will learn by doing, turning designs and materials into safe, repeatable manufacturing processes, guided by experienced teams.

Key dates: applications close 20 December 2026; assessment centres in February 2027; start date 1 September 2027. Onsite pattern with every other Friday off supports development and practical learning.

Qualifications

• GCSEs: 5 GCSEs grade 4/C or above including Maths, English and a science/engineering-related subject.
• A level grade C or above in Maths-based subject and a science/engineering-related subject, or 90+ credits in Engineering BTEC Level 3.

Skills

Practical problem-solving

Attention to detail

Curiosity about making things

Teamwork

Education

GCSEs including Maths, English and a science/engineering subject

A level in Maths-based subject and science/engineering subject or 90+ BTEC Eng Level 3 credits

Job description

Why this role matters

Turn ideas, designs and materials into safe, repeatable manufacturing processes. You’ll learn how products and parts are made safely, accurately and consistently, working with design, operations, quality, safety and project teams.

At a glance

Entry requirement

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths, English and a science, technology or engineering-related subject.
• You’ll also need A level grade C or above in a Maths-based subject and a science, technology, engineering or additional Maths-related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC Level 3.

Security clearance

• Applicants must be British Nationals and aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.
• You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.

Working pattern

• Onsite apprenticeship based at AWE Aldermaston and/or Burghfield, with every other Friday off.

Key dates

• Applications close: 20 December 2026
• Assessment centres: 4 and 9 February 2027
• Start date: 1 September 2027

Why being onsite will support your development

This is an onsite apprenticeship. Being onsite means you can learn directly from experienced manufacturing, engineering and quality specialists, see real processes in action and build practical confidence.

The key skills we’re looking for

• Practical problem-solving: You enjoy finding out why something does or does not work.
• Attention to detail: You understand that safety, quality and accurate records matter.
• Curiosity about making things: You are interested in how designs, materials, machines, processes and data come together.
• Teamwork: You can communicate clearly and work with people across different engineering teams.

Where this apprenticeship could take you

When you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you could move into one of AWE’s engineering teams as a Manufacturing Engineer, with future opportunities in areas such as new product introduction, manufacturing system design, tooling, production support or continuous improvement.

What happens after you apply

• Online application Submit one apprenticeship application before the role closes.
• Online testing If eligible, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available.
• Assessment centre Successful candidates will be invited to an in-person assessment centre, currently scheduled for 4 and 9 February 2027.
• Offer, medical and clearance If successful, you’ll move into the offer, medical and security-clearance stages ahead of joining on 1 September 2027.

Applications close on 20 December 2026, but we review applications as they come in — so we strongly encourage you to apply early.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.