Physics Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3, advanced)

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.

Physics Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3, advanced)

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 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. 

About The Apprenticeship

As a Physics Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you’ll start with an induction to help you settle in, before moving into different placements across the business. Experimental Physics at AWE involves studying unusual materials in extreme conditions. Your placements could include working with powerful lasers and using specialist equipment to understand how materials behave.

During your apprenticeship journey, you will learn the following skills:  

• Preparing and setting up optical equipment, such as lenses, mirrors and lasers 

• Helping to build and measure parts of complex physics experiments 

• Using equipment that helps scientists collect information from experiments 

• Using specialist laboratory equipment safely and correctly 

• Checking results and reporting what you find clearly and accurately 

• Working safely in a laboratory environment 

• Understanding how to work safely around hazardous substances, including radioactive and explosive materials 

• Understanding quality standards and why they matter in a laboratory 

• Developing customer service skills, such as communicating clearly and supporting others 

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. 

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. 

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship  

On completing your apprenticeship you will use the skills you have developed to take on a technician role within the Physics subfunction, supporting the development and execution of experiments and trials using facilities at and external to AWE. 

Apprenticeship Standard  

ST0248   

About You 

• Excellent team working skills 

• Good communication skills 

• An awareness of why health and safety is important 

• The ability to follow instructions carefully 

• The ability to concentrate for long periods 

• A genuine interest in practical science and laboratory work 

• Confidence using a computer, including Microsoft Office programmes such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint 

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy: 

• Doing practical laboratory work as well as some office-based tasks 

• Learning about science, engineering and new technology 

• Enjoy problem solving 

• Enjoy working as part of a wider team 

Entry Requirements 

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths, English and 6/B in Science 

• 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 £16,750 yearly, increasing to TBC 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 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.   

Apprenticeship Duration:   

24 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment.  

Recruitment Process   

This vacancy will close on 8th November 2026, 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 Centre: Those successful at testing will be invited to an assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 21st January 2027.  Please note that these dates 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 EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk  

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.