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: Project Controls Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree)

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 Project Controls Apprentice at AWE, you will help project teams plan, monitor and deliver important work across the business. You’ll build your skills while learning what project controls involves and where your interests could take you.  During the apprenticeship, you could support major programmes, infrastructure projects and other teams that help AWE operate effectively. You’ll work with experienced colleagues, build strong working relationships and learn how projects are planned, tracked and kept on course.

In simple terms, project controls is about helping a project stay on track. This could include supporting with project plans, schedules, costs, risks, changes and reporting, so teams understand what needs to happen, when it needs to happen and whether anything needs attention.

As you move through different placements around the business, you will learn about areas such as:

• How large projects are broken down into smaller parts, including people, work and costs

• Creating and checking project schedules, including estimating how long tasks may take

• Setting and maintaining project baselines, which are the agreed plans used to track progress

• Measuring how well a project is progressing against the plan

• Regular reporting, including helping teams understand monthly progress updates

• Cost forecasting, which means helping estimate how much a project may cost in the future

• Understanding differences between the plan and what is actually happening

• Supporting project changes and understanding their impact on time, cost and delivery

• Using data and statistics to support project decisions

• Using technical information, including engineering drawings, to support project planning

• Estimating the time, cost and resources needed for project activities

You’ll start with an induction to help you understand AWE and the work we do. You’ll then move into your first project placement, where you’ll begin applying your skills in a real working environment. You’ll be supported by placement mentors and experienced colleagues while also studying towards your degree-level apprenticeship.

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship

When you complete your apprenticeship, you could move into a Project Controls Practitioner role, supporting project teams to plan, monitor and deliver important work. You will be contributing to projects and programmes that play a vital role in keeping the UK safe and secure. You’ll be part of a team, managing schedules, costs, and risks on programmes that have lasting national significance.

Apprenticeship Standard

ST0845

About You 

• Confident using IT, including Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Good communication skills 

• Excellent team working skills 

• Leadership qualities

• Health and safety awareness 

• Effective organisational skills 

• Passion for your chosen profession

• High level of attention to detail

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy 

• Working with and analysing data

• Problem solving activities 

• Working collaboratively as part of a team 

• Challenging existing practises when you can see ways of improving them.  

• Applying logic to situations 

• Planning ahead.

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English 

• 3 A Levels at CCC or above; or T Level Pass (C or above on the core); or BTEC Extended Diploma at MMM.  Preferably in a related subject, such as Maths, Analytics, Business, Statistics, Economics, IT.  

• Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 1 April 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 areas AWE Aldermaston and/or AWE Burghfield sites, depending on placement and business needs. Due to the nature and security of our work, this role will be based on-site. Being on-site means you’ll learn directly from experts, access hands-on support and build connections.

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

48 months plus End Point Assessment 

Recruitment Process 

This vacancy will close on 1st November 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 assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 23rd November 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.  

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.