The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) is recruiting five Technician Scientist (Chemistry) apprentices to work in its laboratories at Aldermaston and Burghfield in Berkshire, with applications closing on Sunday 22 November 2026.

The three-year Level 5 apprenticeship starts on Wednesday 1 September 2027 and pays £24,500 a year, rising to £26,000 in the second year, with further annual increases linked to performance and apprenticeship milestones. The vacancy is listed on GOV.UK Find an apprenticeship under reference VAC2000059074.

Successful applicants will begin with an induction in AWE's Skills Academy before joining laboratory teams at the Aldermaston and Burghfield sites, where they will learn practical skills in a real working environment. Placements cover areas including warhead and deterrence materials science, where apprentices support research, testing and analysis of materials, and warhead engineering, where the work is linked to product design, prototyping and checking that products meet the required standards.

Day-to-day laboratory work includes preparing substances and samples, analysing samples, handling laboratory equipment, checking and reporting results, and handling data. Apprentices will also learn laboratory safety, including how to handle hazardous substances safely, and how quality standards are applied in a laboratory setting.

AWE says the work supports its mission to keep the UK safe and secure, including work on the UK's independent nuclear deterrent, counter-terrorism and global nuclear test monitoring. The organisation describes the apprenticeship as a route into laboratory technician roles in warhead and deterrence materials science or warhead engineering once the programme is complete.

Applicants need three A levels at grade C or above, including chemistry and another science or maths subject, plus GCSE maths and English at grade 4 or above. Because of the security requirements of the work, applicants must be British nationals and aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance, and to attend an occupational health pre-employment medical at AWE.

The working pattern is a nine-day fortnight, and the package includes 270 hours of paid holiday a year, including bank holidays, plus every other Friday off. AWE says applications are reviewed as they come in, so candidates are advised to apply early rather than wait for the closing date. Assessment centres are scheduled for January 2027.

Applications are made through GOV.UK Find an apprenticeship, after which candidates apply on AWE's own website. The listing states that no payment is requested from applicants at any stage.