Mechatronic 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

As a Mechatronic Maintenance Apprentice at AWE, your role will include servicing, repairing and installing various Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Hydraulic and Programmable logic control (PLC) systems, all of which are commonly used onsite to support the Machine Tools department and Trials & Test Technology Centre. As a Mechatronic Maintenance Technician within either of these groups, you will be responsible formaintaining equipment within all our production-related facilities, with the goal of maintaining production and ensuring minimal downtime. These activities may include scheduled and breakdown maintenance on all aspects of engineering within your chosen team, including condition-based monitoring and calibration of the equipment.

As an apprentice you will initially be based at training facilities, where you will develop your basic knowledge and core skills. Please be aware that a period 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.

You will then progress on to the onsite aspect of your training. At this point you will start to apply and further develop these core skills in a live working environment. In addition to the practical aspects of your training, you will further your knowledge of mechatronics engineering through academic studies as youwork towards the completion of your Level 3 Technical certificate.

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, electrical, electronic and hydraulic systems work
• Problem solving activities
• Being hands on
• Applying engineering principles into real life scenarios

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above to include Maths and English (Science desirable)
• 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

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.

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

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.

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