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Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprenticeship
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Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprenticeship
AWE PLC
Berkshire (RG7 4PR)
Closes in 24 days (Sunday 8 November 2026)
Posted on 14 October 2026
Summary
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.
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: Technician scientist (level 5)
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: 3 years
Positions available: 5
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
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
- 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.
Where you'll work
Atomic Weapons Establishment
Aldermaston
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 4PR
Training
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Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider: AWE PLC
Training course: Technician scientist (level 5)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
- Identify potential scientific techniques to meet defined objectives.
- Review and select appropriate scientific techniques to undertake required tasks (consider risk management, safe working practices, equipment availability, quality standards, the environment, and sustainability).
- Source and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
- Plan and perform laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using scientific techniques, procedures, and methods relevant to the role.
- Systematically obtain information when conducting scientific experiments.
- Record and store data in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Contribute to the development or improvement of processes and methodologies and support their implementation into the business as part of a wider team.
- Use data analysis tools and software packages to process or produce reliable, accurate data or information.
- Interpret scientific data to inform actions or recommendations and escalate where required.
- Present the results of scientific work to scientific and non-scientific audiences in written and oral form.
- Plan and prioritise own tasks and complete work to schedule whilst maintaining compliance with internal and external requirements.
- Contribute to recommendations, improvements, or scientific solutions to meet the requirements of internal or external customers.
- Identify, develop or contribute to solutions to technical problems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and identify results requiring further investigation or escalation.
- Keeps up to date with advances in scientific and sector working practices and technologies.
- Shares best practice across the team.
Training schedule
The Apprenticeship is 36 months followed by the End Point Assessment.
More training information
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 training provider for this apprenticeship will be an external organisation and is yet to be confirmed. We will share details once they are finalised. Training may be delivered through either day release or block release, depending on the provider and apprenticeship programme.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
- GCSE in: Maths and English (grade 4/C or above)
- A Level in: x 3 inc Chemistry and another science or maths (grade C or above)
Desirable qualifications
- BTEC in: Applied Science or related (BTEC or A level only) (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
- Administrative skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Health and Safety Awareness
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. 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.
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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 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.
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 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.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is: AWE PLC Early Careers earlycareers@awe.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000059074.
Apply now
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