Operations Apprentice (Level 3 – Advanced)

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Reading; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

270 hours annual leave

Employee discounts portal

EAP & Occupational Health

Job summary

Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) invites applicants for the Operations Apprentice (Level 3 – Advanced) based in Reading. You’ll learn how Operations, Manufacturing, Science and Engineering fit together to support UK national security in a highly regulated environment.

The role offers hands-on production experience, safety-focused tasks, and placements across sites. Starting salary £16,750, rising to £24,500 in Year 2, with annual increases.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English.
• British National and 18+ by 31 August 2027.
• BMI under 35 required for respiratory protection.
• On-site role at AWE sites with security clearance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing and assembly work contributing to national security.
• Gain hands-on experience in production and process operations.
• Learn safety measures for explosives and unique materials.
• Complete placements across operational areas to understand tasks and processes.

Skills

Engineering interest

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Strong communication

Health and safety awareness

Following instructions

Time management

Education

GCSEs including Maths & English

Job description

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.Job title and apprenticeship level: Operations Apprentice (Level 3 – Advanced)About AWEWe’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’re 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 apprenticeshipAs an Operations Apprentice at AWE, you’ll start building a career in a unique environment where you can learn how different parts of the business work together, including Operations, Manufacturing, Science and Engineering.You’ll help support the manufacturing and assembly work that contributes to the defence and security of the United Kingdom. You’ll gain hands-on experience in production and process operations, working in a highly regulated environment where safety is always the priority.During your placements, you could get involved in a range of activities, such as:Spending time in different operational areas to understand the tasks people carry out, the processes they follow, and how work is completed to specific requirements.Carrying out practical laboratory analysis, supporting administrative activities, and learning how teams monitor physical and environmental health. Learning how experiments are carried out in our explosives operational areas, including the safety measures needed to do this work responsibly.Understanding how daily tasks, weekly plans, and safe systems of work are organised so that activities across the site are completed safely and correctly.Taking part in science-related work, such as pulsed power trials, where energy is built up over time and then released very quickly.This role can be physically demanding, so you’ll need to pass a medical assessment to check your general fitness and suitability to work with our unique materials. This includes having a BMI under 35, which is a legal requirement for wearing respiratory protection. Depending on your role, you may need to wear this protection while working.Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeshipWhen you complete your apprenticeship, you’re likely to move into one of our operational business units. You may also be able to apply for roles in other areas of AWE, such as logistics, science or engineering.Apprenticeship StandardST1407About youA practical interest in how things work, especially in engineering and technologyGood attention to detailThe ability to work well with othersGood communication skills, including listening, asking questions and sharing information clearlyAn understanding of why health and safety is importantThe ability to follow instructions carefully and ask if you are unsureMotivation to learn and develop new skillsGood time management, including planning your work and completing tasks to deadlinesThis role may appeal to you if you enjoyLooking closely at details and finding ways to improve how things are doneReading instructions or documents and understanding how they apply to real workUnderstanding step-by-step processes and why each stage mattersSolving problems in a practical, hands-on wayPractical work that involves using your hands carefully, such as assembling componentsEntry Requirements:5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and EnglishDue to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.The BenefitsA 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 schemeGenerous 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 leisureEmployee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health ServicesAlongside 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:Reading area: AWE Aldermaston and/or AWE Burghfield sites, depending on your apprenticeship pathway, placements and business needs. Due to the nature of our work and security requirements, you should expect to work on-site during your apprenticeship and in your role after you complete it. Being on-site means you can learn directly from experienced technical specialists, access hands-on support, and build valuable connections across the business.Start Date: 1st September 2027Annual 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. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.Apprenticeship Duration:3 years plus End Point AssessmentRecruitment Process:This vacancy will close on 10th January 2027, but we review applications as they come in—so we strongly encourage you to apply early.We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we've kept it simple with a three step process.Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Don't be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect.In person assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to an in person assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 1st February, 3rd February, 2nd March and 4th March 2027 . Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, we’ll keep all applicants informed throughout the processThese roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.If you choose to share information on your application form about support needs, learning differences, disabilities, health conditions or adjustments, we may contact you to understand how we can support you through the recruitment process. This information will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.Contact usIf you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at [e-mail] steps:Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.Important things you need to know:We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.