Operations Apprenticeship - Level 3

An Operations Apprentice role at AWE offers the first steps toward a career in a diverse and unique environment, involving Operations, Manufacturing, Science, Engineering, and other key areas of the business.

Apprentices play a key role in providing manufacturing and assembly capabilities that contribute to the defence and security of the United Kingdom. The role includes hands-on production and process operations within a highly regulated and safety-conscious working environment.

Here are just some of the exciting opportunities apprentices can get involved with during their placements:

• Gaining experience across operational areas to understand common tasks, follow processes, and deliver work to specific requirements.
• Carrying out practical laboratory analysis, supporting administrative activities, and monitoring physical and environmental health.
• Learning techniques for undertaking experiments within explosives operational areas and understanding the related safety measures required.
• Developing an understanding of organising and planning daily work processes, weekly plans, and safe systems of work, ensuring that any work carried out across the site follows the correct process and safety procedures.
• Possibly taking part in science-related work such as pulsed power trials, exploring the science and technology of accumulating energy over time and releasing it instantly.

This role can be physically demanding, and applicants will be required to pass a medical test for general fitness and suitability to work with AWE’s unique materials. This includes having a BMI of under 35, a legal requirement for wearing respiratory protection (which may be required depending on the specific role).

This opportunity may appeal to individuals who enjoy:

• Having an eye for detail and an interest in improving things
• Reviewing documents and understanding their application in the real world
• Applying a logical approach to understanding processes
• Taking a hands-on approach to problem solving
• Using good manual dexterity for the assembly of components

The Benefits:

• A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing to £23,500 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 AWE to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions.

Recruitment process:

This vacancy will close on 22nd February 2026, but AWE will review applications as they come in — so they strongly encourage you to apply early. AWE want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So they've kept it simple with a three-step process:

Online application

Apply for one apprenticeship that best aligns with your interests and career goals. Take your time to explore the opportunities before submitting your application.

Online assessment
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete online tests covering numerical, verbal, logical, and cognitive reasoning. Practice materials will be available so you’ll know what to expect and can prepare in advance.

Virtual assessment centre
Those successful at testing will be invited to an in person assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 26th January 2026, 6th February 2026 and 9th and 16th March 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, AWE will keep all applicants informed throughout the process