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?
Precision machining is the manufacturing of components on various machines. During the first part of your training as a Precision Machining Apprentice you will learn basic machining and hand fitting skills through a series of supervised machining tasks, in which you will manufacture of a number of useful engineering tools.
You will attend a variety of lectures, through college day release, which will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the tools and techniques that you will be using. It will also give you more information about the materials, manufacturing equipment and processes that you will be following throughout your career.
Whilst the majority of final roles are hands on craft engineering, a small number may be in the design and assurance roles for mechanical engineering.
Apprentices work on a variety of machines within the academy including:
- Centre lathes
- Vertical and horizontal milling machines
- Surface grinders
- Pillar drills
- Computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathes
In the second part of your training, you will undertake a series of machining tasks. These are designed to prepare and expose you to the full spectrum of our plant and facilities and the work that you will undertake within the organisation. Once on site, you will have the opportunity to complete more advanced machining tasks, involving more complex holding and machining work.
Entry requirements
- A practical aptitude for engineering or technology
- PC literate
- Good communication skills
- Excellent team working skills
- Health and safety aware
- Effective at following instructions
- Ability to concentrate for long periods
- Passion and motivation for your chosen profession
- Level 3 entry requirements: 5 GCSE’s at grade 4/C or above to include Maths and English
- Applicants must be aged 16 or over, as of 12th 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.
If you currently hold a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or similar, you should consider applying for a Degree level apprenticeship.
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