Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 5, Higher)

As a Materials and Analytical Science Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you will spend the first few weeks of your apprenticeship within the Skills Academy; before joining the Materials and Analytical Sciences team based in our laboratories across the AWE Aldermaston site. The Materials and Analytical Sciences function are responsible for the research, testing and analysis of several different materials ranging from warhead components to environmental samples. 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 and complete various laboratory-based tasks which will enable you to develop a complete set of skills and knowledge required to work successfully at AWE., As a Building Services Engineering Degree Apprentice, you will work towards a BEng (Hons) in Building Services Engineering. The programme includes:

• Part time day release: Apprentices attend university once a week
• Formal lectures, study guides, course notes, directed reading, class tutorials, assignments, small group projects, workshops and laboratories.
• Assessment of the academic element of this apprenticeship will consist of coursework, exams and timed assessments.
• Employer focused contextual content
  
  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.,
• Excellent team working skills
• Good communication skills
• Awareness of health and safety
• The ability to follow instructions
• The ability to concentrate for long periods
• A real passion for this type of work
• Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English and 3 A Levels including Chemistry (or equivalent)
• Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2025 due to security clearance requirements
• You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
• 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.
• A part of this role will require wearing Health and Safety equipment such as a respirator. Therefore, successful candidates will need to undergo a medical assessment for suitability for the position within the required parameters for the health and safety equipment's requirements.
  
  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.
  
  We offer our apprentices a starting salary of £22,250, increasing annually throughout your apprenticeship
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement 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.