If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given. Metrology Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3 - Advanced) About AWE We’re a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies. Our work is critical. We’re delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that’s just part of the story. We support the UK government in a range of vital areas – from counter-terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security. At AWE, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique. Be extraordinary at AWE. About the apprenticeship : 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 s in the Skills Academy and onsite rotation s. You will develop your basic knowledge and core skills in the Skills A cademy for the first year, 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) in London. You will study the Level 3 Metrology Technician apprenticeship and on successful completion you will be eligible for professional registration as either Registered Engineering Technician ( EngTech ) or Registered Science Technician ( RSciTech ). Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship : Following completion of your apprenticeship and subject to business need and your career aspirations, y ou will outturn into a Quality inspector- Specialist role within one of the areas of AWE. Apprenticeship Standard : Metrology Technician (ST0282). Training Provider : NPL About you Good IT skills Good data skills Good Math’s skills Good communication skills Health and safety awareness Effective at following instructions Ability to concentrate for long periods This role may appeal to you if you enjoy Taking an analytical / mathematical approach to problem solving Working with data; retrieving, analysing, interpreting, validating and recording Making a difference by checking product quality Performing practical tasks by following procedures Being self-motivated and inquisitive. Willing to learn programming skills with different softwares Entry Requirements: 5 GCSE’s at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English AND a 5/B in Science Applicants must be aged 1 8 or over, as of 31st August 202 6 due to security clearance requirements You must be a British National to apply for a role with us. The Benefits: A starting sa lary 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 us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions. Location: Aldermaston/Reading area Start Date: Tuesday 1 st September 2026 Annual leave will not be granted from 1 st September until 2 nd October 2026 due to mandatory inductions you are required to complete as part of your apprenticeship. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance. Duration: The apprenticeship is a 3-year course comprising of approximately 20% study and 80% workplace activity. Recruitment Process This vacancy will close on 11 th January 2026, but we review applications as they come in—so we strongly encourage you to apply early. We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we've kept it simple with a three step process. Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals. Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Don't be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect. In person assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to an in person assessment centre. Our Assessment Centres are scheduled for 23rd February 2026 and 2 nd March 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, we’ll keep all applicants informed throughout the process. These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas. 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. We encourage diverse applicants and we're here to support you all the way. We encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments on your application. 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. Learn about how we handle your data. Contact us If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk Next steps: Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application. Important things you need to know: We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes. You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process. Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process. 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 will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions. Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.