Physics Lab Technician Apprentice – Nuclear Science

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market leading pension

270 hours holiday + every other Friday

Discounts portal

Employee Assistance Programme

Occupational Health services

Job summary

The Atomic Weapons Establishment in the Reading area is offering a Physics Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3, advanced). You will rotate through placements, learn to handle optical equipment, participate in experiments and safety training, and gain hands-on skills in a high‑security laboratory environment.

5 GCSEs including Maths and English are required; British nationals aged 18+ by Aug 31, 2027. Starting salary £16,750 with progression during the 24‑month programme, plus generous

Qualifications

• Excellent team working skills.
• Good communication skills.
• An awareness of why health and safety is important.
• The ability to follow instructions carefully.
• The ability to concentrate for long periods.
• A genuine interest in practical science and laboratory work.
• Confidence using a computer, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Preparing and setting up optical equipment, such as lenses, mirrors and lasers.
• Helping to build and measure parts of complex physics experiments.
• Using equipment that helps scientists collect information from experiments.
• Using specialist laboratory equipment safely and correctly.
• Checking results and reporting what you find clearly and accurately.
• Working safely in a laboratory environment.
• Understanding how to work safely around hazardous substances, including radioactive and explosive materials.
• Understanding quality standards and why they matter in a laboratory.
• Developing customer service skills, such as communicating clearly and supporting others.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

H&S awareness

Follow instructions

Concentration

Interest in science

MS Office

Education

GCSEs required

Job description

The Atomic Weapons Establishment in the Reading area is offering a Physics Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3, advanced). You will rotate through placements, learn to handle optical equipment, participate in experiments and safety training, and gain hands-on skills in a high‑security laboratory environment.

5 GCSEs including Maths and English are required; British nationals aged 18+ by Aug 31, 2027. Starting salary £16,750 with progression during the 24‑month programme, plus generous