Year in Industry- Production

Learning and development

• Learn from experts: Work alongside experienced production, engineering, safety, quality and facility specialists from day one.
• Operational experience: Gain practical insight into production planning, manufacturing delivery, workforce capability and regulated operations.
• Leadership development: Build self-awareness, team awareness and an understanding of how visible leadership supports performance.
• Continual support: Receive support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy throughout the placement.
• Build your network: Connect with the wider Early Careers community, employee resource groups and colleagues across AWE.
• Future pathways: Explore technical and leadership careers in production, including opportunities such as Process Specialist and Delivery Manager, with potential progression into senior delivery roles.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from candidates studying an engineering or science-based degree.

• You must be on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 in your degree by August 2027.
• You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030 and completing a placement year as part of your degree.
• You must be available to join AWE in August 2027.
• You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.

Behaviours and qualities

• Curious: You enjoy understanding how complex production environments work and are comfortable asking questions.
• Safety and security focused: You understand the importance of following authorised processes, regulations and local instructions.
• Collaborative: You can build constructive working relationships across operations, engineering, quality, safety and facilities.
• Organised: You can manage information, prioritise activities and contribute to clear operational planning.
• Dependable: You take responsibility for your work, keep your promises and act with integrity.
• Resilient: You can adapt, learn from feedback and remain focused when priorities or operational needs change.
• Inclusive: You value different perspectives and help create an environment where others can contribute and develop.
• Leadership potential: You are willing to take initiative, communicate clearly and motivate others through a positive example.

Salary and benefits

• £24,500 salary.
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A full-time, 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme.
• Savings across retail, hospitality and leisure.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• A vibrant Early Careers community with opportunities to join events and activities.
• Potential to secure a Graduate role after university, subject to performance, business need and available opportunities.

Recruitment process and key dates

• Online application: Applications open on 14 September 2026. Apply for the pathway that best matches your interests and goals.
• Online assessment: If eligible, complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available.
• Virtual assessment centre: Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected to run during November and December 2026.
• Pre-assessment support: Attend guidance webinars so you know what to expect and can prepare.
• Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will move into the offer and security-clearance stages before joining in August 2027.

Apply early

Applications close at the end of October 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis and will close once enough applications have been received, so submit your application as soon as possible.

Inclusion and reasonable adjustments

We want candidates to feel confident and informed throughout the application process. We encourage diverse applicants and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments. Any inclusion information provided will be used only to support the application and held for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.

Questions can be directed 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.