AWE

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure.

Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

AWE’s support for the government’s strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UK’s counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.

Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.

Why choose AWE?

As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

• Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
• A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
• Life Assurance
• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family
• A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing – more information available on our careers site

Application Process

After completion of your initial application, if eligible, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. Practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what is expected at this stage ahead of completing the live assessments.

Those successful at this stage will be invited to our virtual assessment centres running throughout the period 14th October to 14th December 2024, and into January/February 2025. We will be running pre-assessment centre webinars to provide guidance on what to expect.

We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

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 Citizen to apply for a role with us.

Eligibility

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us and we’ll need to know if you’ve lived outside of the UK at any point in the last 10 years.

Placements

Our Undergraduate scheme is for those studying at university, who are required to complete a formal placement year as part of their course. It is a great opportunity for you to sample what it’s like to work in world-class facilities, gain some technical knowledge and develop your skills and behaviours that will enable you to have a world-class future.

We look to take on placement students into a vast array of exciting roles at AWE including:

Analytical Radiochemistry, Data Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Nuclear Safety, Logistics, Cyber Security, Project Management, Materials Science and Physics.

Defence Scholarship Scheme

AWE each year recruits a number of students studying throughout their degrees to join us on our Defence Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme at AWE.

We recruit various engineering and science disciplines onto the programme whereby you undertake a summer placement at AWE, as well as receive tuition fees funding for up to 3 years of your course, and an annual financial bursary.

AWE recruits for scholarship places each summer, so please look out for opportunities to apply or register your interest.

Apprenticeships

Start your career with an employer who genuinely wants to invest in you and work with you to develop your potential. You will have the opportunity to work in world-class facilities, gaining knowledge, skills and behaviours that will enable you to have a world-class future.

Our apprenticeships, vary from level 3 Advanced to level 6 Batchelors Degree covering a broad spectrum of skills: from Engineering to Project Management. Regardless of your chosen path, from day one you will be on a programme that develops not just your technical capability, but also the skills required to be successful in your future roles.

You will receive 1-2-1 support and training that will provide you with both the knowledge and understanding of the role and also the work placements, giving you the opportunity to develop whilst in the role.

AWE is excited to announce their new Match Me tool, a quiz designed to support students in choosing the perfect apprenticeship role to apply for. Take the quiz and find out where your skills best align, then make an application. Roles are open now, don’t delay.

AWE Match Me Quiz

Graduates

Evolve is our flagship Graduate Programme and we have opportunities across our six programmes; Engineering, Science, Environment, Safety and Health & Quality (ESH&Q), Finance, Project Management and Corporate and Operations.

As an Evolve graduate you will take part in a Core Development Programme alongside technical and pathway specific development. The programme is designed to provide broader, soft skills and understanding that will set you up for success in your career.

You will also complete rotational placements that are designed to provide you with technical knowledge and expertise across several disciplines within your chosen programme area. This additional core development will enhance your leadership skills and business acumen.

You will have access to a wide network of support and guidance during your time on the Evolve programme. You will be supported by a dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead who will help your transition into the business, provide pastoral support and work with you on your development journey. You will also be assigned a buddy and there will be opportunities to network and socialise with others on the Evolve programme through regular team meetings, pathway meetings and throughout the core development programme.

We also offer broader opportunities and initiatives within the business which can be undertaken alongside main placements and the core development programme. For example:

• Evolve graduates were involved in supporting AWE’s social media campaign for British Science Week.
• Become an Ambassador: All Evolve graduates are encouraged to become STEM ambassadors and support related initiatives in local schools encouraging children of all ages into STEM.
• Depending on your specific placements, you may have the opportunity to interact with UK and overseas partners and customers.