Precision Machining Apprenticeship (Level 3 – Advanced)
Awe PLC · Reading · posted 3 November 2026
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From the start of your apprenticeship, you will be aligned to your specific engineering pathway, giving you the opportunity to develop practical skills, technical knowledge and industry experience within your specialist area. Through a combination of hands-on training and college study, you’ll build the foundations needed for a successful career.
This apprenticeship may involve travel to off-site training locations. Transport or expenses will be provided where applicable, and applicants should be willing to travel if required.
Following your initial training period, you will complete placements relevant to your pathway, working alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists. You will apply your learning in a real working environment, further develop your technical skills and gain valuable experience supporting live engineering activities at AWE.
The pathway you follow will shape the type of engineering work you learn and the skills you develop. You do not need to know everything about each area before you apply - the selection process will help you learn more about the options and identify where your interests, strengths and potential may fit best.
The Precision Machining Apprenticeship teaches you to use specialist machines, drawings and measuring tools to make accurate components to the right shape, size and finish, developing precision, attention to detail and practical manufacturing skills.
Your training
The Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship will typically take around 3 to 4 years to complete, depending on your engineering pathway, training plan and progress through the programme.
During your apprenticeship, you will complete a mix of college-based learning, practical skills development and workplace placements. This will help you build the technical knowledge, hands-on experience and behaviours needed for your chosen engineering pathway.
You will be supported throughout the programme by AWE, your training provider and your placement teams. More detailed information about the structure of each pathway, including any off-site training requirements, will be shared during the assessment and offer process.
Where it leads
Following successful completion of your apprenticeship, and subject to business need and your career aspirations, you’ll move into a role within the business, aligned to the pathway you have trained in.
You’ll become part of a skilled community, supporting some of the UK’s most unique facilities, equipment, processes and technologies, while continuing to develop your career at AWE.
About Awe PLC
We’re a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK’s 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. We’re delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that’s 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, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're 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.
Things to consider
Start Date: 1st September 2027.
Annual leave will not be granted from 1st
September until 1st October 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.
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.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we
recognise and celebrate differences, encourage
diverse contributions and our employees feel able
to be themselves at work. We strive to create a
genuine culture of openness and inclusion and
encourage diverse applicants.
If you choose to share information on your
application form about support needs, learning
differences, disabilities, health conditions or
adjustments, we may contact you to understand
how we can support you through the recruitment
process. This information will only be used for this
purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.
Due to the security requirements associated with
this apprenticeship, applicants must be British
Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August
2027
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE 5 GCSES inc English and Maths (grade 4/C or above) — essential
Where you'll work
- Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PR
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