Summary
As a Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprentice at AWE, you will undertake your apprenticeship induction within the Skills Academy; before joining the relevant functional teams based in our laboratories across the AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield sites.
Wage
£23,500 a year
•A starting salary of £23,500 yearly, increasing to £25,000 in Year 2 and annually throughout your apprenticeship — subject to meeting key milestones and performance expectations.
Training course
Technician scientist (level 5)
Hours
9 day fortnight. 33 hrs on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day. 41 hrs on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs. Please note hours may alter due to College training times.
37 hours a week
Start date
Tuesday 1 September 2026
Duration
3 years 3 months
Positions available
5
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
You will be assigned to one of the sub functions either:
* The Warhead and Deterrence Materials Science sub-function which is responsible for the research, testing and analysis of many different materials ranging from warhead components to environmental samples, or
* The Warhead Engineering sub-function which is responsible for product design and prototyping, engineering analysis, systems integration, validation and verification, and is home to a variety of engineers including electronic, mechanical, systems, materials and chemical engineers.
This work is vital in assuring our mission to deliver the warhead is accomplished whilst keeping our people and environment safe.
During the time in placements, you will undertake various laboratory-based tasks which will enable you to develop a complete set of skills and knowledge required to work successfully at AWE.
During your apprenticeship journey, you will learn the following skills:
* Laboratory safety
* Handling of hazardous substances- awareness of radioactive and explosive materials
* Quality and its application in a laboratory environment
* Customer service skills
* Use of laboratory equipment
* Preparation of substances
* Sample preparation
* Analysis of samples
* Data handling
* Checking and reporting of results
In addition, you will also be given the opportunity for personal development through activities such as team building challenges, organisational awareness presentations, health and safety workshops and charity projects.
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
* Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PR
* New College Swindon Training Only, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NEW COLLEGE SWINDON
Training course
Technician scientist (level 5)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Identify potential scientific techniques to meet defined objectives.
* Review and select appropriate scientific techniques to undertake required tasks (consider risk management, safe working practices, equipment availability, quality standards, the environment, and sustainability).
* Source and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
* Plan and perform laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using scientific techniques, procedures, and methods relevant to the role.
* Systematically obtain information when conducting scientific experiments.
* Record and store data in accordance with regulatory requirements.
* Contribute to the development or improvement of processes and methodologies and support their implementation into the business as part of a wider team.
* Use data analysis tools and software packages to process or produce reliable, accurate data or information.
* Interpret scientific data to inform actions or recommendations and escalate where required.
* Present the results of scientific work to scientific and non-scientific audiences in written and oral form.
* Plan and prioritise own tasks and complete work to schedule whilst maintaining compliance with internal and external requirements.
* Contribute to recommendations, improvements, or scientific solutions to meet the requirements of internal or external customers.
* Identify, develop or contribute to solutions to technical problems.
* Collaborate with stakeholders and identify results requiring further investigation or escalation.
* Keeps up to date with advances in scientific and sector working practices and technologies. Shares best practice across the team.
* Identify potential scientific techniques to meet defined objectives.
* Review and select appropriate scientific techniques to undertake required tasks (consider risk management, safe working practices, equipment availability, quality standards, the environment, and sustainability).
* Source and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
* Plan and perform laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using scientific techniques, procedures, and methods relevant to the role.
* Systematically obtain information when conducting scientific experiments.
* Record and store data in accordance with regulatory requirements.
* Contribute to the development or improvement of processes and methodologies and support their implementation into the business as part of a wider team.
* Use data analysis tools and software packages to process or produce reliable, accurate data or information.
* Interpret scientific data to inform actions or recommendations and escalate where required.
* Present the results of scientific work to scientific and non-scientific audiences in written and oral form.
* Plan and prioritise own tasks and complete work to schedule whilst maintaining compliance with internal and external requirements.
* Contribute to recommendations, improvements, or scientific solutions to meet the requirements of internal or external customers.
* Identify, develop or contribute to solutions to technical problems.
* Collaborate with stakeholders and identify results requiring further investigation or escalation.
* Keeps up to date with advances in scientific and sector working practices and technologies. Shares best practice across the team.
Training schedule
This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
5 x inc English, Maths and Science/technology (grade 4 or above)
A Level in:
3 x inc Chemistry, Science/Maths (grade C or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Initiative
* Patience
Other requirements
•Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2026 due to security clearance requirements Tuesday 1st September 2026 Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 2nd 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.