Mechanical Maintenance Apprenticeship (Level 3 Advanced)

There are a wide variety of mechanical maintenance roles at AWE such as working on the steam powered heating systems, servicing, checking and hanging filters within air handling units, bearing checks and heat and vibration level checks on motors, and perform routine services.

As a Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice, you will learn the basics of hand tools then move onto learning the operations of various machines such as milling machines, pillar drill and lathes. You will gain a variety of skills including setting up rigs, maintenance and set up of basic pipe fittings, and making crank sets. Other skills will include disassembling and reassembling equipment such as vacuum pumps, Ogden pumps and calorifiers. Further experience gained during your apprenticeship will include using hydraulic lifting equipment, cranes, compressed air, heater batteries and air ventilation systems. You will also learn how to make gaskets, pipework (which you will also pressure-test), and re-build gearboxes.

Please be aware that a period of your training will be delivered from an offsite location based in Culham. Return transport will be provided from the AWE Aldermaston site and will ensure (where possible) that the journey is complete within your working day.

After up to 2 years of hands-on learning, you will then spend another year on placements out in the business. Your experience on these placements could include working on steam leaks and fixing pipework, ultrasound surveys, vibration analysis, and working in the trial assembly & disassembly of explosives.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

· Understanding how mechanical assemblies work

· Understanding how heating, ventilation and cooling systems work

· Understanding the operation and maintenance of rotating plant and equipment

· Problem solving activities

· Being hands on

· Applying engineering principles into real life scenarios

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure. Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe., AWE's support for the government's strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UK's counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.

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.

· AWE offer apprentices a starting salary of £16750, 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.

Recruitment Process

AWE recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as the positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

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.

Their ambition is to create workplaces where they recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and employees feel able to be themselves at work. AWE strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.