Government jobs in United Kingdom

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

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.

As a Quality Inspector Apprentice your role will include inspection of various mechanical and electrical components that are used within a production or trials environment, working to process written procedures and using your knowledge and experience to interpret requirements directly from drawings. These tasks may include the use of first principle measurements, using a variety of hand instruments, through to computer guided purpose‑made precision measurement equipment.

You will initially be based within the Skills Academy for the first 18 to 24 months, where you will develop your basic knowledge and core skills, such as hand fitting, machining and measuring, before progressing on to the onsite aspect of your training. At this point you will start to apply and further develop these core skills in a live working environment. In addition to the vocational aspects of your training, we will further your knowledge of Quality through academic studies as you work towards the completion of a Level 3 Engineering and manufacturing support technician apprenticeship which includes a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technologies.

Following completion of your apprenticeship and subject to business need and your career aspirations, you will outturn into a quality inspector role within one of the areas of AWE.

Engineering and Manufacturing support Technician (ST1395).

Farnborough College of Technology

• A practical aptitude for engineering
• IT literate
• Good communication skills
• Excellent team working skills
• Health and safety awareness
• Effective at following instructions
• Ability to concentrate for long periods
• Passion and motivation for your chosen profession

• A genuine interest in the practical side of engineering or hands‑on activities. For example, we love to hear if you enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together, making things, fixing things or about a practical project you’ve done at school or home, or a club you’ve been involved with.
• Understanding how mechanical and electrical assemblies work
• Understanding how and why the physical properties of a product matter
• Studying how components can be assessed, measured and reported
• Applying engineering principles into real life scenarios
• A practical application to find out about the things around you
• Having a hands‑on approach to problem solving

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths, English and a Science
• Applicants must be aged 16 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
• If you currently hold a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or similar, you should consider applying for a degree level apprenticeship.

• A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing to £23,500 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.

Aldermaston/Reading area

Tuesday 1st September 2026

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.

42 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment

This vacancy will close on 11th January 2026, but we review applications as they come in—so we strongly encourage you to apply early.

We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we’ve kept it simple with a three step process.

Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.

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.

In person assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to an in-person assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 5th and 6th February 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, we’ll 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.

We encourage diverse applicants and we’re here to support you all the way. We encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments on your application. 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. Learn about how we handle your data.

If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

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 will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.