Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship - Level 6

As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice, you will develop the knowledge and people skills to enable the design and manufacture of a wide range of products, materials, and tools to support the successful delivery of AWE’s programme of work. Operations include precision component manufacture, fabrication, explosive formulation, fissile material production, rubbers and plastics, and warhead assembly and disassembly.

The role of a Manufacturing Engineer within this area of the business is to realise product design, delivering and managing process and tooling designs or improvements. Working in a highly regulated environment means this will include the creation and configuration of manufacturing process documentation in accordance with appropriate procedures and legislation. This ensures that everyone operates safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally sustainable way, meeting the requirements set out by AWE and relevant Professional Body Institutions.

You will develop a fundamental knowledge of engineering and science principles and practices. On completion of your apprenticeship, you will be able to demonstrate discipline skills aligned with your role, which typically include design, plant performance enhancements, operational management, project management, and maintenance of safety standards, while applying analytical thinking to provide innovative solutions.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will attend college one day a week to complete your degree in manufacturing engineering.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:

• Working as part of a team
• Gaining hands-on experience that will set you up with practical skills
• Demonstrating enthusiasm for the nuclear industry
• Focusing on personal development

The Benefits:

• A starting salary of £23,500 yearly, increasing to £25,000 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 a virtual assessment centre. Assessment Centres are scheduled for 21st January 2026, and 3rd and 11th February 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, AWE will keep all applicants informed throughout the process.