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Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship
AWE PLC
Berkshire (RG7 4PR)
Closes on Sunday 20 December 2026
Posted on 12 October 2026
Summary
This apprenticeship is about developing your interest in how products and parts are made safely, accurately and consistently. You will build your knowledge step by step, learning how designs are turned into real processes, tools and practical solutions used in the workplace.
Wage: £24,500 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
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.
Training
Course: Manufacturing engineer (degree) (level 6)
Hours: 9 day fortnight. 33 hrs on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day. 41 hrs on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs. Please note hours may alter due to your offsite training establishment training times.
Start date: Wednesday 1 September 2027
Duration: 5 years
Positions available: 6
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
This apprenticeship is about developing your interest in how products and parts are made safely, accurately and consistently. You will build your knowledge step by step, learning how designs are turned into real processes, tools and practical solutions used in the workplace.
You will combine university study with hands-on placements at AWE. During the apprenticeship, you will learn how manufacturing engineers support areas such as:
• Precision manufacture
• Fabrication
• Joining
• Assembly
• Materials processing
• Tooling
• Inspection
• New production capability.
Working with teams across design, operations, quality, safety and projects, you will start to understand how different parts of engineering come together to make sure work is completed safely and to the right standard.
As you gain confidence, you will take on real engineering tasks with support from experienced colleagues. This could include helping to test or improve manufacturing processes, looking at data, solving practical problems, supporting the development of tools or equipment, and creating clear engineering documents.
You will also learn why safety, quality, cost, delivery and sustainability are important in a highly regulated organisation.
Manufacturing now uses a lot of digital technology. You may use computer-aided design and manufacturing tools, digital work instructions, engineering systems and data analysis. You will learn how technology helps teams work accurately, safely and consistently, and why keeping reliable records is so important.
Where you'll work
Atomic Weapons Establishment
Aldermaston
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 4PR
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider: AWE PLC
Course contents
Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes, operational designs, or specifications for manufacturing projects or programmes of work. Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve problems and determine solutions or actions. Collate, store, use and present data and supporting documentation. Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics. Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data evidence. Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as planning, safety, quality, cost, performance and sustainability. Apply processes for project or programme management such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation. Comply with statutory and organisational safety and security standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity. Identify and use manufacturing processes, resources and technologies to turn the materials, components or other commodities into a finished product or system. Apply quality management and assurance processes to identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the manufacturing engineering process. Carry out pre operations checks of engineering manufacturing systems and equipment before use. Manage continuous improvement activities using techniques such as Six Sigma, 5s, Kaizen, Lean, Kanban, Statistical Process Control or Value Stream Mapping. Create, maintain and review project documentation. Record and action any non-conformities. Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders. Communicate in writing for example technical reports, documents and presentations. Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders. Manage differing and competing interests with stakeholders. Identify and complete opportunities for personal and professional development including keeping up to date with current and emerging technology. Apply and promote policies and practices to support equity, diversity and inclusion. Consider management of change (MOC) requirements when undertaking manufacturing projects or programmes of work. Comply with environmental and sustainability legislation, regulations and standards associated with the manufacturing engineering environment. Uses resources efficiently, for example waste minimisation. Ensure equipment is managed and maintained. Optimise processes and procedures, such as relating to safety, efficiency, performance, productivity and sustainability. Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured, checked and tested for safe operation, efficiency and reliability.
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Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English and a Sci/Eng (grade 4/C or above)
A Level in: Maths based and Sci/Tech/Eng (grade C or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Safety and Quality skills
Other requirements
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.
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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.
About this employer
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 counterterrorism 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. http://www.awe.co.uk
Company benefits
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.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
When you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you could move into one of our engineering teams as a Manufacturing Engineer. The exact role will depend on business need and the skills and interests you develop during your apprenticeship. Future areas could include:
• New product introduction
• Manufacturing system design
• Advanced or digital manufacturing
• Tooling
• Production support or continuous improvement.
You will also continue to be supported as you develop your engineering career, including working towards professional recognition where this is relevant to your role.
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