Operations Apprenticeship

As an Operations Apprentice at AWE, you’ll start building a career in a unique environment where you can learn how different parts of the business work together, including Operations, Manufacturing, Science and Engineering.

You’ll help support the manufacturing and assembly work that contributes to the defence and security of the United Kingdom. You’ll gain hands-on experience in production and process operations, working in a highly regulated environment where safety is always the priority.

During your placements, you could get involved in a range of activities, such as:

• Spending time in different operational areas to understand the tasks people carry out, the processes they follow, and how work is completed to specific requirements
• Carrying out practical laboratory analysis, supporting administrative activities, and learning how teams monitor physical and environmental health
• Learning how experiments are carried out in our explosives operational areas, including the safety measures needed to do this work responsibly
• Understanding how daily tasks, weekly plans, and safe systems of work are organised so that activities across the site are completed safely and correctly
• Taking part in science-related work, such as pulsed power trials, where energy is built up over time and then released very quickly

This role can be physically demanding, so you’ll need to pass a medical assessment to check your general fitness and suitability to work with our unique materials. This includes having a BMI under 35, which is a legal requirement for wearing respiratory protection. Depending on your role, you may need to wear this protection while working.

When you complete your apprenticeship, you’re likely to move into one of our operational business units. You may also be able to apply for roles in other areas of AWE, such as logistics, science or engineering.

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.

• 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

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.

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.

Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.