Precision Machining Apprenticeship (Level 3 – Advanced)

AWE; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE PLC is offering a Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship in Aldermaston. From day one you’ll follow an engineering pathway with hands-on training and college study, building practical skills and industry experience.

The program lasts about 4 years, with a wage of £16,750 per year and a 37-hour week. Start date is 2027-09-01, closing 2027-01-31, and training is provided by AWE PLC.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English and Maths are essential

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Problem solving skills

Administrative skills

Number skills

Analytical skills

Logical

Team working

Initiative

Health and Safety

Education

GCSE 5 GCSES inc English and Maths (grade 4/C or above) - essential

Job description

From the start of your apprenticeship, you will be aligned to your specific engineering pathway, giving you the opportunity to develop practical skills, technical knowledge and industry experience within your specialist area. Through a combination of hands-on training and college study, you'll build the foundations needed for a successful career.

This apprenticeship may involve travel to off-site training locations. Transport or expenses will be provided where applicable, and applicants should be willing to travel if required.

Following your initial training period, you will complete placements relevant to your pathway, working alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists. You will apply your learning in a real working environment, further develop your technical skills and gain valuable experience supporting live engineering activities at AWE.

The pathway you follow will shape the type of engineering work you learn and the skills you develop. You do not need to know everything about each area before you apply - the selection process will help you learn more about the options and identify where your interests, strengths and potential may fit best.

The Precision Machining Apprenticeship teaches you to use specialist machines, drawings and measuring tools to make accurate components to the right shape, size and finish, developing precision, attention to detail and practical manufacturing skills.

Training

The Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship will typically take around 3 to 4 years to complete, depending on your engineering pathway, training plan and progress through the programme.

During your apprenticeship, you will complete a mix of college-based learning, practical skills development and workplace placements. This will help you build the technical knowledge, hands-on experience and behaviours needed for your chosen engineering pathway.

You will be supported throughout the programme by AWE, your training provider and your placement teams. More detailed information about the structure of each pathway, including any off-site training requirements, will be shared during the assessment and offer process.

What happens at the end

Following successful completion of your apprenticeship, and subject to business need and your career aspirations, you'll move into a role within the business, aligned to the pathway you have trained in.

You’ll become part of a skilled community, supporting some of the UK’s most unique facilities, equipment, processes and technologies, while continuing to develop your career at AWE.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Health and Safety

Qualifications

• GCSE 5 GCSES inc English and Maths (grade 4/C or above) - essential

Key details

• Wage: £16,750 a year
• Working week: 9 day fortnight. 33 hrs on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day. 41 hrs on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs. Please note hours may alter due to your offsite training
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Duration: 4 Years
• Start date: 2027-09-01
• Closing date: 2027-01-31
• Apprenticeship standard: Machining technician (level 3)
• Training provider: AWE PLC

About the employer

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'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.