Mechatronic Maintenance Apprenticeship - Level 3

As an apprentice, individuals will initially be based at training facilities on site in Aldermaston, where they will develop their basic knowledge and core skills.

You will then progress to the onsite aspect of their training, where you will start to apply and further develop these core skills in a live working environment. In addition to the practical aspects of training, apprentices will enhance their understanding of mechatronics engineering through academic studies as they work towards the completion of a Level 3 Technical Certificate.

As a Mechatronic Maintenance Apprentice at AWE, the role will include servicing, repairing, designing, and installing various mechanical, electrical, electronic, and programmable logic control (PLC) systems. These are commonly used onsite to support the Machine Tools Engineering (MTE) and Trials & Test Technology Centre.

As a Mechatronic Maintenance Technician within either of these groups, individuals will be responsible for maintaining equipment within production-related facilities, across a diverse range of environments from conventional to specialist areas of the business, covering both the Aldermaston and Burghfield sites. The goal is to maintain production and ensure minimal downtime. Activities may include scheduled and breakdown maintenance on all aspects of engineering within the team. Within MTE, apprentices may also be involved in small projects and rebuilds of assets, including condition-based monitoring and calibration of equipment.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:

• Understanding how mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems work
• Problem-solving activities
• Being hands-on
• Applying electrical and mechanical engineering principles in real-life scenarios

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 11th January 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 Centre is scheduled for 2nd February. Please note that this date may be subject to change, but rest assured, AWE will keep all applicants informed throughout the process.