Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprenticeship

Atomic Weapons Establishment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A national defence organization in Greater London is looking for a Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprentice. This role involves practical laboratory work, aiding in vital scientific research, and requires a genuine interest in science and engineering. The apprenticeship lasts for 36 months and includes competitive salary increases and opportunities for personal and professional growth. This apprenticeship is particularly suitable for those eager to contribute to advancements in national security while developing their own scientific skills.

Benefits

Starting salary of £23,500, increasing to £25,000

Market leading contributory pension scheme

Generous holiday entitlement of 270 hours a year

Access to employee discounts portal

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Applicants must be aged 18 or over by 31st August 2026 due to security clearance requirements.
• You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
• 5 GCSE's at C / 4 or above including Maths, English, Science technology or engineering related subject.

Responsibilities

• Undertake various laboratory-based tasks to develop necessary skills and knowledge.
• Work closely with functional teams in laboratories.
• Participate in team-building challenges and health and safety workshops.

Skills

Laboratory safety

Customer service skills

Data handling

Analysis of samples

Education

5 GCSE's at C / 4 or above

At least 3 A Levels grade C or above including A level Chemistry

Job description

Technician Scientist (Chemistry)

Apprenticeship (Level 5 - Higher)

About the apprenticeship

As a Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprentice at AWE, you will undertake your apprenticeship induction within the Skills Academy; before joining the relevant functional teams based in our laboratories across the AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield sites. You will be assigned to one of the sub functions either :

Warhead and Deterrence Materials Science

sub-function which is responsible for the research, testing and analysis of many different materials ranging from warhead components to environmental samples, or

Warhead Engineering

sub-function which is responsible for product design and prototyping, engineering analysis, systems integration, validation and verification, and is home to a variety of engineers including electronic, mechanical, systems, materials and chemical engineers.

This work is vital in assuring our mission to deliver the warhead is accomplished whilst keeping our people and environment safe.

During the time in placements, you will undertake various laboratory-based tasks which will enable you to develop a complete set of skills and knowledge required to work successfully at AWE.

Skills you will learn

• Laboratory safety
• Handling of hazardous substances- awareness of radioactive and explosive materials
• Quality and its application in a laboratory environment
• Customer service skills
• Use of laboratory equipment
• Preparation of substances
• Sample preparation
• Analysis of samples
• Data handling
• Checking and reporting of results

In addition, you will also be given the opportunity for personal development through activities such as team building challenges, organisational awareness presentations, health and safety workshops and charity projects.

What this role may appeal to you if you enjoy

• Enjoy both practical laboratory work and supporting office-based activities
• Have an interest in science and engineering and advancements in these areas
• Enjoy problem solving
• Enjoy working as part of a wider team

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2026 due to security clearance requirements
• You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
• 5 GCSE's at C / 4 or above including Maths, English, Science technology or engineering related subject.
• At least 3 A Levels grade C or above including A level Chemistry and another Science or Maths A level.

The Benefits

• A starting salary of £23,500 yearly, increasing to £25,000 in Year 2 and annually throughout your apprenticeship subject to meeting key milestones and performance expectations.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement of 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off
• Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services

Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field whilst helping us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions.

Location

Aldermaston / Reading area

Start Date

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Annual Leave

Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 2nd October 2026 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.

Duration

36 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment.

Recruitment Process

1. Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.
2. 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.
3. Virtual assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to a virtual assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 9th and 10th December 2025, and 12th, and 14th January 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, well keep all applicants informed throughout the process.

These 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.

Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.