Job Description

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.
Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice (Level 3 - Advanced)
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:
During the foundation phase of your apprenticeship, you will learn the fundamentals of Mechanical Maintenance. This will act as the building blocks of an interesting career within AWE. Basic skills and knowledge are covered by the Skills Academy where you will start with learning the correct selection and use of hand tools. You will manufacture a range of test pieces to help with your development as a mechanical maintainer, from here you will progress onto carrying out maintenance activities in a simulated environment.

Once this phase has been completed, taking approximately 18 months, you will move to the Consolidation phase. This will see you rotate through our Mechanical Maintenance teams located in the various Technology Centres across both AWE Aldermaston and AWE Burghfield sites. Here you will build upon the skills learned during the Foundation phase, working on a wide range of plant and equipment in a real-world environment.
Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship:
You will outturn into one of our Mechanical Maintenance teams across the AWE Aldermaston or Burghfield sites as a Craft Practitioner (Mechanical).

There is a wide variety of mechanical maintenance roles at AWE, including work with pressurised systems (steam, compressed air, compressed gases), servicing various types of equipment such as vacuum pumps, HVAC fan systems, dynamic and positive displacement pumps, mechanical drive equipment, heat transfer equipment, monitoring systems and specialist equipment used for processing nuclear and explosive materials. There are also roles within specialised teams like Condition Based Monitoring who are the site lead for preventative and reliability maintenance, The Local Exhaust Ventilation team who ensure we keep our high-risk operations, such as machining Beryllium, safe and Off-Site response, where you will maintain equipment used to respond to off-site incidents.

After gaining experience within these teams, there are various roles to progress into. These include but are not limited to Technical Support Officer (TSO), Work Safety Supervisor (WSS), Maintenance Team Leader, Facility Engineer (FE) and Facility Specialist.
Apprenticeship Standard:
Science Industry Maintenance Technical (ST0249).
Training Provider:
Farnborough College of Technology
About you:A practical aptitude for engineering or technology Computer literacy (PC) Excellent team working skills Good communication skills Awareness of health and safety The ability to follow instructions The ability to concentrate for long periods A real passion and motivation for this type of work

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:Understanding how mechanical assemblies work Understanding how heating, ventilation and cooling systems work Understanding the operation and maintenance of rotating plant and equipment Problem solving activities Being hands on Applying engineering principles into real life scenarios

Entry Requirements:5 GCSE's at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English AND a 5/B in Science Applicants must be aged 17 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.

The Benefits:A starting salary of 16750 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.

Location:
Aldermaston/Reading area

Start Date: 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.
Duration:
36 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment

Recruitment Process
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 6th and 16th March 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.

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

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.