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.

Job title and apprenticeship level: Level 6 Building Services Asset Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

About AWE

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.

About the apprenticeship:

As a Building Services Asset Engineering Degree Apprentice, you will learn how the building systems that support AWE’s important facilities are maintained, improved and kept safe, reliable and available. You will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become a Building Services Asset Engineer within AWE’s Asset Engineering function.

This is not a generic building services design role. It is focused on maintaining, improving and assuring the performance of complex building services and facility systems that support national security operations within a licensed nuclear environment.

You will work alongside experienced engineers responsible for ensuring that building services plant and infrastructure remain safe, reliable, compliant and available throughout their operational lifecycle.

Through an approved provider, structured placements and workplace experience, you will learn how engineering decisions support:

• Nuclear safety and safe facility operation

• Facility reliability and asset availability

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), ventilation, LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation), heating, cooling, water and electrical building services performance

• Building management systems and energy performance

• Engineering change, commissioning, handover and configuration control

• Maintenance optimisation, asset information quality and lifecycle renewal

• Regulatory compliance, SQEP (Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person) development and continuous improvement

• Nuclear safety-related equipment and environmental protection systems in high hazard facility infrastructure

• Heat exchangers, pressurised gasses, lifting equipment and handling systems

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship

Following successful completion of your apprenticeship you will complete your training as an Asset Engineer (Building Services) with longer term career pathways that may include:

• HVAC / Ventilation Asset Engineer

• Facilities and Infrastructure Engineer

• Building Services Systems Engineer

• Reliability or Maintenance Strategy Engineer

• Longer-term pathways into Senior Asset Engineer, Engineering Manager, Principal Engineer or specialist building services roles

Apprenticeship Standard

ST0372

About you

We’re looking for curious and motivated people who enjoy understanding how things work, solving practical problems and learning how engineering keeps important buildings and facilities safe, reliable and running well.

This apprenticeship may suit you if you can show, or are keen to develop, the following:

• Your interest in engineering and problem solving

• An interest in how mechanical, electrical and building systems work

• Enjoying working through information and spotting patterns or issues

• Confidence with maths and using numbers to solve problems

• Being able to approach problems logically and step by step

• Curiosity about building services engineering, including systems such as heating, ventilation, cooling, lighting, water and building controls

• How you approach learning and working with others

• Asking questions and wanting to understand why things work the way they do

• Taking care with detail, especially when working with technical information

• Doing the right thing and taking safety, security and quality seriously

• Working well with others and being willing to learn from experienced people

• Keeping going when something is challenging or unfamiliar

• Being open to learning new skills, systems and ways of working

• Being able to explain your thinking clearly and ask for help when needed

What matters in this role:

• Understanding that safety is a priority in everything we do

• Being reliable, responsible and willing to take ownership of your learning

• Being interested in working in an environment where processes, standards and checks are important

• Being comfortable following clear instructions and controlled processes

• Wanting to keep learning, improve how things are done and build your confidence over time

You do not need to know everything before you start. We will help you build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a career in asset engineering within AWE and the wider UK nuclear industry.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

• Finding out how large buildings and engineering facilities work behind the scenes

• Solving practical problems where heating, ventilation, cooling, lighting, water and control systems all need to work together

• Learning how the systems that keep buildings running can be maintained, improved and made more reliable

• Working out why something is not performing as expected and helping identify practical improvements

• Working with engineers, maintenance teams, project teams and specialist suppliers to solve real facility challenges

• Using diagrams, drawings, data and technical information to understand problems and make decisions

• Seeing how engineering decisions affect safety, reliability, performance and compliance in important facilities

Entry Requirements

You will need to meet one of the following qualification routes:

• A Levels: BBC, including Maths and a science subject in either Chemistry or Physics. Equivalent to 112 UCAS points.

• T Level: Merit or above in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning. Equivalent to 120 UCAS points.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in an Engineering subject area, with a minimum of Merit in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Equivalent to 128 UCAS points.

• BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: D*D* in an Engineering subject area, with a minimum of Merit in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Equivalent to 112 UCAS points.

Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

The Benefits:

• A starting salary of £24,500 yearly, increasing to £26,000 in Year 2, with further annual salary increases throughout your apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory performance and achievement of apprenticeship milestones.

• Market leading contributory pension scheme

• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off as part of AWE’s flexible working pattern.

• Access to employee discounts portal — everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure

• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services

Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism.

Location:

Reading area: AWE Aldermaston and/or AWE Burghfield sites, depending on apprenticeship pathway, placements and business needs. Due to the nature of our work and security requirements, you should expect to work on-site during your apprenticeship and in your role after you complete it. Being on-site means you can learn directly from experienced technical specialists, access hands-on support and build valuable connections across the business.

Start Date: 1st September 2027

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

Apprenticeship Duration:

72 months plus End Point Assessment

Recruitment Process

This vacancy will close on 20th December 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. Do not 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 assessment centre. The Assessment Centre is scheduled for 11th February 2027. Please note that this date 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.

If you choose to share information on your application form about support needs, learning differences, disabilities, health conditions or adjustments, we may contact you to understand how we can support you through the recruitment process. This information will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.

Contact us

If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at [email protected]

Next steps:

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.

Important things you need to know:

• 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.