Electronic Design Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree)

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Job title and apprenticeship level: Electronic Design Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree) 

About AWE  

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 counterterrorism 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. 

About the apprenticeship: 

As an Electronic Design Apprentice, you will start by learning the basics of electronics through practical projects. You will then spend time in different teams across the business, building your skills and understanding how electronics are used at AWE. Alongside this, you will attend college part-time to work towards a Higher National Diploma (HND). After completing your HND, you will move into the final two years of your apprenticeship, where you will complete further placements and work towards your Apprenticeship End Point Assessment, which is the final stage of your degree apprenticeship. 

Through a mix of college learning, planned placements and hands-on experience at work, you will develop skills in: 

• Basic electronic theory  

• Recognising and understanding different electronic components 

• Circuit design  

• Circuit construction  

• Semiconductor theory  

• Finding and fixing faults in electronic circuits 

• Recording and explaining your work clearly 

• Test and measurements 

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship: 

On completion, you will be ready to join one of our engineering teams as an Electronic Design Engineer. Depending on the business need and the experience you develop, your career could include:  

• Analogue Electronic Engineer – designing and supporting electronic circuits that control power supplies and other equipment. 

• Firmware Engineer or Digital Electronic Engineer – creating the instructions and digital designs that help electronic systems work, using specialist languages such as VHDL or SystemVerilog. 

• Pulsed Power Engineer – working with high-voltage power systems, energy storage and switching equipment. 

• RF Electronic Engineer – working with radio-frequency systems, including equipment that sends and receives signals. 

• Embedded Software Engineer – writing software that is built into electronic devices and systems, using programming languages such as C++ or Java. 

• Electronic Systems Engineer – helping to define what a system needs to do, how it should be designed, and how to check that it works correctly. 

Apprenticeship Standard: 

ST0151 

About You: 

We’re looking for enthusiastic people who are interested in electronics and keen to learn. If you enjoy solving problems, working with technology and understanding how things work, this could be a great opportunity for you. 

• A practical interest in engineering and technology 

• Confidence using computers and learning new software 

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills 

• A good awareness of health and safety 

• The ability to follow instructions accurately 

• A positive, motivated attitude and a passion for learning 

• This apprenticeship includes a lot of maths, so you will need to feel confident with mathematical principles and be willing to keep developing these skills. 

If you have an interest in Arduino or Raspberry Pi, analogue and digital electronics, or you enjoy designing, building, testing and repairing electronic circuits, we would love to hear from you. 

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy: 

• Analogue and digital electronics 

• Designing, building, testing, and repairing electronic circuits 

• Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects 

• Solving practical problems and turning your curiosity about electronics into a career 

Entry Requirements: 

• An A level in Maths and another STEM (Physics, ICT, Computing, Electronics) based subject, Grade C or above, or equivalent BTEC level 3 /HNC/HND/T level in relevant discipline  

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English 

• Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027. 

The Benefits: 

• A starting salary of £24,500 yearly, increasing to £26,000 in Year 2, with further annual salary increases throughout your apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory performance and achievement of apprenticeship milestones. 

• Market leading contributory pension scheme 

• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off as part of AWE’s flexible working pattern. 

• Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure 

• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services 

Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism. 

Location:  

Reading area: AWE Aldermaston and/or AWE Burghfield sites, depending on your apprenticeship pathway, placements and business needs. Due to the nature of our work and security requirements, you should expect to work on-site during your apprenticeship and in your role after you complete it. Being on-site means you can learn directly from experienced technical specialists, access hands-on support, and build valuable connections across the business. 

Start Date: 1st September 2027 

Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 2nd October 2027 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.  

Apprenticeship Duration 

6 years 

Recruitment Process 

This vacancy will close on 10th January 2027, but we review applications as they come in—so we strongly encourage you to apply early. 

We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we've kept it simple with a three step process.  

• Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals. 

• Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Don't be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect.  

• In-person Assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to aN assessment centre. The Assessment Centre is scheduled for 10th February 2027. Please note that this date may be subject to change, but rest assured, we’ll keep all applicants informed throughout the process. 

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. 

Contact us : 

If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at [email protected]  

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. 
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

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. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.