As an apprentice you will initially be based at training facilities on site in Aldermaston, where you will develop your basic knowledge and core skills.

You will then progress on to the onsite aspect of your training. At this point you will start to apply and further develop these core skills in a live working environment. In addition to the practical aspects of your training, you will further your knowledge of mechatronics engineering through academic studies as you work towards the completion of your Level 3 Technical certificate.

As a Mechatronic Maintenance Apprentice at AWE, your role will include servicing, repairing, designing and installing various Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, Programmable logic control (PLC) systems. These are all commonly used onsite to support the Machine Tools Engineering (MTE) and Trials & Test Technology Centre.

As a Mechatronic Maintenance Technician within either of these groups, you will be responsible for maintaining equipment within all our production-related facilities, within a diverse range of environments from conventional to specialist areas of the business, covering both Aldermaston and Burghfield sites. The goal of maintaining production and ensuring minimal downtime. These activities may include scheduled and breakdown maintenance on all aspects of engineering within the team. Within MTE, you may be involved in small projects and rebuilds of our assets, including condition-based monitoring and calibration of the equipment.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:

• Understanding how mechanical, electrical, electronic systems work
• Problem solving activities
• Being hands on
• Applying electrical and mechanical engineering principles into real life scenarios

Entry Requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English (Science desirable)
• Applicants must be aged 16 or over, as of 31st August 2026 due to security clearance requirements
• 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.

The Benefits:

• A starting salary of £16750 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.

Start Date: 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.

Duration:
42 months plus 6 months End Point Assessment

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