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Aldermaston, England, United Kingdom
Onsite
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.
Year in Industry Placement - Production
Salary
£24,500 per annum plus benefits
Location
Aldermaston, near Reading, with opportunities to visit Burghfield; Office and operational facility based
Contract
12-month placement
Start date
August 2027
Working pattern
Full time, 9-day working fortnight
About AWE
We are a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. Our work supports the UK's independent nuclear deterrent and extends into vital areas including counter-terrorism, global nuclear test monitoring and the development of world-class nuclear science expertise.
At AWE, you will find purpose, growth and the opportunity to learn from experienced specialists while contributing to work that protects lives and strengthens national security.
Role purpose
This 12-month placement sits within AWE's Operations Delivery Group. Operations translates demand from customer programmes into the products and services needed to support the Defence Nuclear Organisation and maintain national security.
As an Undergraduate Production Trainee, you will learn how a technically advanced production environment operates safely, securely and effectively. You will support the teams responsible for manufacturing components and assembling products, while developing your understanding of production processes, planning, workforce capability, safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
Role
The Operations Delivery Group provides trained and competent people to carry out manufacturing and assembly activities. The group works with engineering, quality, environment, safety and health, facilities and other stakeholders to deliver materials, testing, services and programme requirements in line with authorised processes, licence conditions and local instructions.
Following the appropriate training and authorisation, the placement may include working within operational facilities where nuclear or explosive materials are present. All activities will be undertaken within defined safety, security, competency and supervisory arrangements.
Key activities and responsibilities
Develop an understanding of how a production facility operates, including production processes, planning, safety, training, competency and regulatory requirements.
Support operational scheduling and help identify risks, constraints and opportunities that could affect delivery.
Work with stakeholders across engineering, quality, environment, safety and health, facilities and other business areas to enable delivery.
Contribute to local accountability and visual-management boards by helping maintain clear, accurate and timely information.
Support visible operational management and help create the conditions for high levels of performance, engagement and delivery.
Build an understanding of workforce capability and competency requirements across the operations team.
Support the line management and coordination of operators embedded within functional areas, under appropriate supervision.
Support the Operations Personal Development Group process and learn how operational employees are developed and supported.
Promote a diverse and inclusive working environment in which people can contribute and develop.
Comply with authorised processes, regulations, policies and local work instructions, while maintaining high standards of safety and security.
Learning and development
Learn from experts: Work alongside experienced production, engineering, safety, quality and facility specialists from day one.
Operational experience: Gain practical insight into production planning, manufacturing delivery, workforce capability and regulated operations.
Leadership development: Build self-awareness, team awareness and an understanding of how visible leadership supports performance.
Continual support: Receive support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy throughout the placement.
Build your network: Connect with the wider Early Careers community, employee resource groups and colleagues across AWE.
Future pathways: Explore technical and leadership careers in production, including opportunities such as Process Specialist and Delivery Manager, with potential progression into senior delivery roles.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from candidates studying an engineering or science-based degree.
You must be on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 in your degree by August 2027.
You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030 and completing a placement year as part of your degree.
We are particularly keen to hear from students studying these disciplines: Manufacturing Engineering, Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering with Management, Product Design and Manufacture, Product Design Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Management, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation Engineering, Automation and Control Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
You must be available to join AWE in August 2027.
You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.
Behaviours and qualities
Curious: You enjoy understanding how complex production environments work and are comfortable asking questions.
Safety and security focused: You understand the importance of following authorised processes, regulations and local instructions.
Collaborative: You can build constructive working relationships across operations, engineering, quality, safety and facilities.
Organised: You can manage information, prioritise activities and contribute to clear operational planning.
Dependable: You take responsibility for your work, keep your promises and act with integrity.
Resilient: You can adapt, learn from feedback and remain focused when priorities or operational needs change.
Inclusive: You value different perspectives and help create an environment where others can contribute and develop.
Leadership potential: You are willing to take initiative, communicate clearly and motivate others through a positive example.
Salary and benefits
£24,500 salary.
270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
A full-time, 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme.
Savings across retail, hospitality and leisure.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
A vibrant Early Careers community with opportunities to join events and activities.
Potential to secure a Graduate role after university, subject to performance, business need and available opportunities.
Recruitment process and key dates
Online application: Applications open on 14 September 2026. Apply for the pathway that best matches your interests and goals.
Online assessment: If eligible, complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available.
Virtual assessment centre: Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected to run during November and December 2026.
Pre-assessment support: Attend guidance webinars so you know what to expect and can prepare.
Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will move into the offer and security-clearance stages before joining in August 2027.
Apply early
Applications close at the end of October 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis and will close once enough applications have been received, so submit your application as soon as possible.
Inclusion and reasonable adjustments
We want candidates to feel confident and informed throughout the application process. We encourage diverse applicants and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments. Any inclusion information provided will be used only to support the application and held for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.
Questions can be directed 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:
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.
