Technician Scientist Chemistry – Level 5 Apprenticeship 2027

AWE; Reading; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE in Reading invites applications for an onsite laboratory-based apprenticeship at Aldermaston and/or Burghfield. You will learn practical laboratory skills while supporting research, testing, analysis, and prototyping across science and engineering teams.

The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and teamwork; successful applicants will meet entry requirements (Maths and English grade 4/C or above, plus 3 A Levels including Chemistry or a BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science).

Qualifications

• Practical science interest in laboratory work, science, engineering and new developments.
• Understand laboratory safety, quality standards and safe handling of substances.
• Able to prepare samples, analyse information, report results accurately.
• Able to communicate clearly and learn from colleagues across teams.

Skills

Practical science

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

A Levels including Chemistry and another science or Maths, or 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.

At a glance

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.

What happens after you apply

• Online application Submit one apprenticeship application before the role closes.
• Online testing If eligible, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available.
• Assessment centre Successful candidates will be invited to an in-person assessment centre, currently scheduled for 21, 26 and 28 January 2027.
• Offer, medical and clearance If successful, you’ll move into the offer, medical and security-clearance stages ahead of joining on 1 September 2027.

Applications close on 8 November 2026, but we review applications as they come in — so we strongly encourage you to apply early.