Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Level 5 Apprenticeship at AWE

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 Jan, 26

Salary

25000.0

Posted On

13 Oct, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Laboratory Safety, Handling of Hazardous Substances, Quality Application, Customer Service Skills, Use of Laboratory Equipment, Preparation of Substances, Sample Preparation, Analysis of Samples, Data Handling, Checking and Reporting of Results

Industry

Defense and Space Manufacturing

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. 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 undertake your apprenticeship induction within the Skills Academy; before joining the relevant functional teams based in our laboratories across the AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield sites. You will be assigned to one of the sub functions either: The Warhead and Deterrence Materials Science sub-function which is responsible for the research, testing and analysis of many different materials ranging from warhead components to environmental samples, or The Warhead Engineering sub-function which is responsible for product design and prototyping, engineering analysis, systems integration, validation and verification, and is home to a variety of engineers including electronic, mechanical, systems, materials and chemical engineers. This work is vital in assuring our mission to deliver the warhead is accomplished whilst keeping our people and environment safe. During the time in placements, you will undertake various laboratory-based tasks which will enable you to develop a complete set of skills and knowledge required to work successfully at AWE. During your apprenticeship journey, you will learn the following skills: Laboratory safety Handling of hazardous substances- awareness of radioactive and explosive materials Quality and its application 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 In addition, you will also be given the opportunity for personal development through activities such as team building challenges, organisational awareness presentations, health and safety workshops and charity projects. Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship You will out turn into a laboratory technician role within Warhead and Deterrence Materials Science or Warhead Engineering undertaking a variety of lab techniques and processes. Apprenticeship Standard Technician Scientist (ST0597) Training Provider New Swindon College About you Excellent team working and communication skills Awareness of health and safety The ability to follow instructions A passion for developing in science or engineering focussed roles This role may appeal to you if you enjoy Enjoy both practical laboratory work and supporting office-based activities Have an interest in science and engineering and advancements in these areas Enjoy problem solving Enjoy working as part of a wider team Entry Requirements: Applicants must be aged 18 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. 5 GCSE's at C/4 or above including Maths, English, Science technology or engineering related subject. At least 3 A Levels grade C or above including A level Chemistry and another Science or Maths A level. The Benefits: A starting salary of £23,500 yearly, increasing to £25,000 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 7th December 2025, 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. Virtual assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to a virtual assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 9th and 10th December 2025, and 12th, and 14th January 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. 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. 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. Before applying to any of our Apprentice roles, it is important that you know that you are eligible. If you need to check then please: Click here for Level 2 roles Click here for Level 3 roles Click here for Level 4 and 5 roles Click here for Level 6 Degree roles If you’re looking for a role with excitement, intrigue and something that really makes a difference then now is the time to join AWE. We are at the start of a once in a generation – possibly two generations – programme to design and produce a replacement warhead for the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent. We will do this while continuing to deliver the Trident programme as well as managing ambitious state-of-the-art capital and construction projects – some of which have never been done before. We are recruiting right across the business: from technical roles in engineering, science, manufacturing and industrial work to business roles in areas such as IT, project management/ controls, commercial, human resources and facilities management. We also have our Evolve graduate programme, or you may be interested in an apprenticeship with our award-winning Skills Academy. What we do is vital to national nuclear security. Keeping our nation, everyone, our environment and everything around us safe and secure is a top priority for us. So, as you would expect, that brings with it a high level of safety and security that you will see across our sites and in how everyone who works here operates. We are always looking for high calibre people to join our team, so why not explore the opportunities we currently have on offer. Whatever stage of your career, AWE is an exciting and challenging environment to develop your skills and achieve your potential.

Responsibilities

As a Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprentice, you will undertake various laboratory-based tasks to develop the skills and knowledge required to work successfully at AWE. You will be assigned to sub-functions responsible for research, testing, and analysis of materials related to the UK's nuclear deterrent.