Applications are open for AWE's two-year Evolve graduate programme, with places starting in September 2027 at the Atomic Weapons Establishment's sites in the Reading area of Berkshire. AWE, the organisation behind the UK's nuclear security technologies, opened graduate applications on 2 November 2026.

The Evolve programme offers structured development across a range of pathways, from engineering and nuclear services to operations, project controls and human resources. Listings for the programme put the starting salary at £31,000 plus benefits, and recruitment is rolling, so applications close once the available places have been filled rather than on a single published deadline.

What the programme offers

Graduates join one pathway and work on live projects from the start, with a dedicated line manager and a pathway lead. Engineering pathways cover electrical, electronic, software, manufacturing and systems engineering, while other routes include utilities engineering, nuclear services, operations, estate strategy and planning, project controls, and decommissioning, demolition and waste management.

The programme is based on site at Aldermaston and Burghfield, near Reading, and is office-based. AWE says its work relies on science, engineering, technology, business and manufacturing skills, and that graduates are supported through training and development across the two years, including professional qualifications on some pathways.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold, or be on track to achieve, a minimum 2:2 degree in a subject relevant to their chosen pathway. For engineering routes that means a degree such as electrical, electronic, software, data science, computer science, manufacturing or systems engineering; other pathways accept a wider range of degrees, including science, business, economics, finance, mathematics and project management.

Applicants must be British nationals and be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. Security clearance is funded by AWE and forms part of the offer process. Candidates may apply for one pathway only, so AWE advises taking time to choose the route that best matches their interests and goals.

How applications are assessed

The process starts with an online application, followed by online assessments covering numerical, verbal, logical and problem-solving skills. AWE provides practice assessments in advance so candidates can familiarise themselves with the format. Successful candidates are then invited to a virtual assessment centre.

Virtual assessment centres take place throughout December 2026 and January 2027, and AWE also invites candidates to a pre-assessment centre webinar to meet the team and learn what to expect. Offers follow the assessment centre, with security clearance checks completed before the September 2027 start.

No fixed closing date

Unlike graduate schemes with a single deadline, AWE's Evolve recruitment is rolling. AWE says applications will close once all available positions have been filled, and encourages candidates to apply promptly rather than waiting. Because places can close at any time, anyone interested should check the AWE application page and apply through the official route shown there.

Sources: AWE, The application process, TARGETjobs, Utilities Engineering, Evolve Graduate Programme 2027 and TARGETjobs, Engineering, Evolve Graduate Programme 2027.