Technician Scientist Chemistry – Level 5 Apprenticeship

Prospects; Aldermaston; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE is offering an onsite laboratory-based apprenticeship at Aldermaston and Burghfield. You will learn practical laboratory skills in real working environments, supporting research, testing, analysis, prototyping and systems integration across specialist science and engineering teams.

You will work closely with experienced scientists, engineers and technicians, learning to use laboratory equipment safely and to build confidence in a controlled working environment.

Qualifications

• Maths and English at grade 4/C or above, plus at least 3 A Levels at grade C or above including A Level Chemistry and another science or Maths A Level, or a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Applied Science or a related subject.

Responsibilities

• Onsite apprenticeship based at AWE Aldermaston and/or Burghfield.
• Learn laboratory techniques and practices in a real working environment.
• Support scientists and engineers with testing, analysis and prototyping activities.
• Follow laboratory safety, quality standards and safe handling of substances.

Skills

Practical science

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

A-levels including Chemistry

BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science

Job description

Why this role matters

Support laboratory science that helps AWE deliver safely.

You’ll learn practical laboratory skills in real working environments, supporting research, testing, analysis, product design, prototyping, engineering analysis or systems integration across specialist science and engineering teams.

Entry requirement

Maths and English at grade 4/C or above, plus at least 3 A Levels at grade C or above including A Level Chemistry and another science or Maths A Level, or a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Applied Science or a related subject.

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: 8 November 2026 | Assessment centres: 21, 26 and 28 January 2027 | Start date: 1 September 2027

Why being onsite will support your development

This is an onsite laboratory-based apprenticeship. Being onsite means you can learn directly from experienced scientists, engineers and technicians, use laboratory equipment safely and build confidence in specialist working environments.

The key skills we’re looking for

• Practical science: You are interested in laboratory work, science, engineering and new developments.
• Safety awareness: You understand why laboratory safety, quality standards and safe handling of substances matter.
• Attention to detail: You can prepare samples, analyse information, handle data and report results accurately.
• Teamwork: You can communicate clearly, follow instructions and learn from colleagues across science and engineering teams.

Where this apprenticeship could take you

When you complete your apprenticeship, you could move into a laboratory technician role within Warhead and Deterrence Materials Science or Warhead Engineering, using a variety of laboratory techniques and processes.

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure. Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe. AWE's support for the government's strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UK's counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.