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 - Manufacturing Engineer 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

This apprenticeship is about developing your interest in how products and parts are made safely, accurately and consistently. You will build your knowledge step by step, learning how designs are turned into real processes, tools and practical solutions used in the workplace.

You will combine university study with hands-on placements at AWE. During the apprenticeship, you will learn how manufacturing engineers support areas such as:

• Precision manufacture

• Fabrication

• Joining

• Assembly

• Materials processing

• Tooling

• Inspection

• New production capability.

Working with teams across design, operations, quality, safety and projects, you will start to understand how different parts of engineering come together to make sure work is completed safely and to the right standard.

As you gain confidence, you will take on real engineering tasks with support from experienced colleagues. This could include helping to test or improve manufacturing processes, looking at data, solving practical problems, supporting the development of tools or equipment, and creating clear engineering documents. You will also learn why safety, quality, cost, delivery and sustainability are important in a highly regulated organisation.

Manufacturing now uses a lot of digital technology. You may use computer-aided design and manufacturing tools, digital work instructions, engineering systems and data analysis. You will learn how technology helps teams work accurately, safely and consistently, and why keeping reliable records is so important.

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship

When you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you could move into one of our engineering teams as a Manufacturing Engineer. The exact role will depend on business need and the skills and interests you develop during your apprenticeship. Future areas could include:

• New product introduction

• Manufacturing system design

• Advanced or digital manufacturing

• Tooling

• Production support or continuous improvement.

• You will also continue to be supported as you develop your engineering career, including working towards professional recognition where this is relevant to your role.

Apprenticeship Standard

Manufacturing engineer (ST0025)

About you

We are looking for people who are curious about how things are made and interested in developing that interest into practical engineering skills. Through the apprenticeship, you will be supported to ask questions, get involved, learn from others and build your confidence over time.

• You enjoy solving practical problems and finding out why something does or does not work.

• You work carefully and understand that safety, quality and attention to detail matter.

• You are interested in how designs, materials, machines, processes and data all come together to make something successfully.

• You can communicate clearly, listen to others and work with people in different teams.

• You are organised, reliable, and happy to ask questions, learn from feedback, and keep improving.

• You are interested in technology and how digital tools can help people work more safely, accurately and efficiently.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

• Finding out how something is made and what needs to happen to make it safely and correctly.

• A mix of hands-on learning, using digital tools, looking at information and solving problems.

• Taking an idea and helping turn it into a safe, repeatable process that works well.

• Learning on real engineering projects while studying towards a fully funded degree.

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths, English and a science, technology or engineering-related subject.

• A level grade C or above in both a Maths-based subject and a science, technology, engineering or additional Maths-related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC at Level 3.

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. 

Recruitment Process

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

4 years plus 6 month 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. 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 Centre is scheduled for 4th February and 9th 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.