Mechanical Maintenance Apprenticeship

About AWE

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure.

Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

AWEs support for the governments strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UKs counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.

Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.

About The Role

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 & 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.

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.Please be aware that thisperiod of your training will be delivered from an offsite location based in Culham. Return transport will be provided from the AWE Aldermaston site and will ensure (where possible) that the journey is complete within your working day.

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.

About You

You'll need to demonstrate:

• 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

• GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English AND a 5/B in Science?
• Applicants must be aged 16 or over, as of 31st August 2025 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

• We offer our apprentices a starting salary of £16,750, increasing annually throughout your apprenticeship
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement 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 -Reading / Basingstoke area

Duration 3-4 years (varies depending on personal performance)

Start Date Wednesday the 27th of August 2025.

Annual leave will not be granted from 27th August until 3rd October, due to mandatory inductions and the requirement for you 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.

Recruitment Process

We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

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.?

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.

ADZN1_UKTJ