Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprenticeship (Level 5 - Higher)

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.

Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprenticeship (Level 5 - Higher)

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

As a Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprentice at AWE, you will start with an induction in the Skills Academy. After this, you will join laboratory teams at our Aldermaston and Burghfield sites, where you will learn practical skills and gain experience in a real working environment. You will be placed in one of the following areas:

• Warhead and Deterrence Materials Science, where you could support research, testing and analysis of different materials, from warhead components to environmental samples; or 

• Warhead Engineering, where you could support work linked to product design, prototyping, engineering analysis, systems integration, testing and checking that products meet the right requirements. You would work alongside engineers from areas such as electronics, mechanical engineering, systems, materials and chemical engineering.

This work is important because it helps AWE deliver its mission safely, while protecting people and the environment.

During your placements, you will carry out a range of laboratory-based tasks. These will help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to work successfully at AWE.

During your apprenticeship, you will learn skills such as:

• Laboratory safety 

• Handling hazardous substances safely, including developing awareness of radioactive and explosive materials

• How quality standards are used in a laboratory environment

• Customer service skills 

• Use of laboratory equipment 

• Preparation of substances 

• Sample preparation 

• Analysis of samples 

• Data handling 

• Checking and reporting of results 

You will also have opportunities to develop personally through activities such as team-building challenges, organisational awareness presentations, health and safety workshops and charity projects.

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship

When you complete your apprenticeship, you could move into a laboratory technician role within Warhead and Deterrence Materials Science or Warhead Engineering, using a variety of laboratory techniques and processes.

Apprenticeship Standard

ST0597

About you

• Excellent team working and communication skills   

• Awareness of health and safety 

• The ability to follow instructions 

• An interest in building a career in science or engineering-focused roles

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

• Both practical laboratory work and supporting some office-based activities

• Science, engineering and new developments in these areas

• Problem solving and finding practical solutions

• Working as part of a team and learning from others

Entry Requirements

• Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.

• At least 3 A Levels grade C or above including A Level Chemistry and another science or Maths A level OR BTEC Level 3 qualification in Applied Science or a related subject (subject to check with training provider) 

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 placement and business needs. Due to the nature and security of our work, this role will be based on-site. Being on-site means you’ll learn directly from experts, access hands-on support and build connections.

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: 

36 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment.

Recruitment Process 

This vacancy will close on 8th November 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 Centre: Those successful at testing will be invited to an assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 21st January 2027, 26th January 2027 and 28th January 2027..  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.  

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.