Graduate- Safety Health Environment & Quality- Environment - Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4PR
Job Type: Full-TimeSalary: Negotiable
SHEQ - Environment Graduate Programme 2026
Starting salary £31,000 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.
PLEASE NOTE WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT ONE APPLICATION PER CANDIDATE PER YEAR. ANY DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE WITHDRAWN.
Our two-year Evolve graduate development scheme offers you an exciting opportunity to join our SHEQ pathway in Environment. Here you will use your skills, develop new ones and work with remarkable people, in unique facilities, on extraordinary products.
About us:
Were a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UKs 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. Were delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UKs nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But thats 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, youll find more than just a job. Youll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether youre 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.
Entry requirements
* You will graduate with a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree, typically in any of these science or engineering subjects:
* Environment - Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography or Geology
* Before starting with the business, you will need to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree.
* You must be able to join AWE in September 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.
* Graduated from your degree between 2023- 2026.
* 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 to Expect on the Programme
The first 3 months of the ESH&Q pathway will be spent immersing yourself within the ESH&Q function understanding fully about AWE business as a whole and your chosen ESH&Q function.
As a graduate environmental specialist, you will work as part of a team to implement AWEs Environmental Management System, certified to ISO 14001(internationally agreed and recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems). The role will involve undertaking environmental risk assessments to identify appropriate control measures, ensuring compliance with Environmental Permits and driving environmental improvements through the delivery of AWEs Environmental Sustainability Strategy, including climate change resilience and transition to net zero plans.
The role offers the opportunity to work across the whole project lifecycle including; design of new facilities, large modifications of existing facilities, production, research & development facilities and decommissioning facilities. The role also provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of how AWE interacts with its regulators.
As an Environmental Specialist you will be working alongside other environmental professionals interfacing with regulators, management, facility operators, infrastructure project delivery and technical support as part of an integrated team.
The Environmental Specialist will:
* Develop understanding of AWEs Environmental Management System and gain practical implementation in operational areas.
* Gain experience of Environmental Risk Assessment and risk based inspections in line with relevant legislation, industry standards and AWEs policies, procedures and guidance.
* Gain knowledge of radioactive waste management and application of Best Available Technique.
* Develop understanding of AWEs approach to sustainability including plans for reducing carbon, enhancing biodiversity and embedding the principles of the circular economy.
* Gain experience in sustainability assessment tools including Sustainability Appraisals and Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology.
* Continuously develop understanding of environmental legislation and obligations.
AWE has corporate membership to the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management (IEMA) and fully supports progression to Chartered Status through IEMA or other appropriate Professional Institute to suit your discipline.
The application process
We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So weve kept it simple with a three step process.
Online application: Apply for one pathway; 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. Dont be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect.
Virtual assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to our virtual assessment centres. These run throughout November into December 2025 - well confirm the exact dates in an email. We run pre-assessment centre webinars to guide you on what to expect.
Reasonable adjustments:
Our aim is to make you feel confident and informed throughout your journey with us: were not trying to catch you out. Our ambition is to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. Our mission relies on the diversity and our people being able to bring their energy to work and perform their best.
We encourage diverse applicants and were 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.
Why us?
Build your career as future leader
Our focus lies on a number of key themes such as: self and team awareness - providing an opportunity to better understand your own strengths and how these could contribute effectively to collaborative situations.
Create your network
AWEs early careers community is full of energy, connection, and opportunity. Youll find plenty of ways to get involved through events organised by our ERG s , spontaneous activities and the Recreation Society. Its a space where you can build relationships, share experiences, and enjoy life beyond your role.
Continual support to grow
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 be aligned to a buddy, who will normally be a fellow graduate from an earlier cohort.
Benefits:
* £31,000 starting salary
* Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays
* Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene
* 9-day working fortnight - so every other Friday off
* A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
* A welcome payment
* An option of an interest free loan of £1,000 as well as regular Graduate pay reviews
* A structured and supported career progression
* Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
* Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to our Occupational Health Services
Who were looking for:
Were looking for people who are naturally curious, enjoy solving complex problems, and arent afraid to ask questions when things dont quite make sense. Youll bring a dependable, team-focused mindset and a willingness to learn because in a unique, classified environment like ours, trust and integrity are key.
Youll thrive at AWE if youre resilient, eager to grow and excited to apply your skills to real-world challenges. Youll embrace our behaviours: connecting with respect, keeping our promises, staying safe and secure, and embracing simplicity.