Job description
What if you could work with remarkable people on extraordinary things? What if the end result was something a little bit special? What if your role was mission critical?
For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and development. We have a critical mission: to provide the warheads for the UK’s ultimate deterrent – Trident. We also use our unique skills to provide wider UK government with counter-terrorism and nuclear threat reduction solutions.
It takes a special sort of person to work at AWE. What if that person was you?
As a Level 3 Advanced Metrology Technician apprentice you are on the first step of a career pathway to Principal Quality Engineer at AWE. The apprenticeship is a 3-year course comprising of approximately 20% study and 80% workplace activity. Metrology is a vital skill to improve and verify the quality of products and components. It concerns all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement. You will apply the understanding of core measurement principles and practices to your role, which is, to interpret and practically apply these, within a production or trials environment. You will identify measurement needs, plan and perform measurement tasks using tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programmes.
The workplace activities will be a combination of placement in the Skills Academy and onsite rotation. You will develop your basic knowledge and core skills in the academy before progressing around AWE to apply your training. In addition to the vocational aspects of your training, you will further your knowledge of metrology through academic studies at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). You will study the ‘Metrology Technician Level 3’ course and on it’s successful completion you will be eligible for professional registration as either Registered Engineering Technician (EngTech) or Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
Becoming a Metrology Technician may appeal to you if you enjoy:
- Learning and applying your knowledge in the workplace
- Performing practical tasks by following procedures
- Being self-motivated and inquisitive.
- Taking an analytical / mathematical approach to problem solving
- Working with data; retrieving, analysing, interpreting, validating and recording
- Making a difference by checking product quality
Entry requirements
- 4 GCSEs or equivalent (minimum accepted: English at Grade 4 (C), GCSE in Maths at Grade 5 (C/B), GCSE in relevant Science subject (Grade 5) and another GCSE Grade 4)
- 1 ‘A’ Level or equivalent Grade C or above
- An interest and ideally aptitude for engineering or technology
- Good IT skills
- Good communication skills
- Health and safety aware
- Effective at following instructions
- Ability to concentrate for long periods
- Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 12th of August 2024, due to security clearance requirements
- Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
What we offer
- We offer our level 3 apprentices a starting salary of £16,000. This increases annually with second year salary being £20,500
- A market leading contributory pension scheme
- Generous holiday entitlement and excellent work/life balance including a nine-day working fortnight. This means that every other Friday you won’t be required to work!
- Access to employee discounts – everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.
Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field whilst helping us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions.
Start date
All successful candidates will join us on 12 August 2024. It is important that you are available that week and the week commencing 19 August so you can meet the rest of the Apprentice cohort and take part in our induction programme. There is another compulsory training week from 11 September, so we'll ask you not to request annual leave that week either.
Additional job details
- Location
- Berkshire · Aldermaston.
- Salary
- £16,000
- Contract, dates and working times
- Fixed term
Full-time
How to apply
Would you like to learn more about our selection process? Watch our video to find out more.
Our deadline line for applications is Sunday October 29th. The earlier you apply the better chance you have of success.
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 us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.
Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 3 December 2023
Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.
Closing date: 3 December 2023