AWE

Graduate Trainee – Science

Job posted: Sep 16, 2024
Aldermaston, West Berkshire, United Kingdom
  • Salary average
    £31,000
  • Type of employment
    Contract, Full-time
  • Remote
    n/a

Company

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure.

Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

AWE's support for the government's strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UK's counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.

Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.

Why choose AWE?

As part of our People Promise, AWE (one of the best 25 big companies to work for in the UK) has a range of benefits to suit you. These include:

  • Time to recharge your batteries with 270 hours of annual leave (plus every other Friday off work)
  • Opportunities for Professional Career Development that include funding for the annual membership of a relevant professional body, access to mentors and training
  • Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
  • A generous defined contribution Group Personal Pension (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your own contribution)
  • Life Assurance
  • Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending
  • Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring for your family
  • A host of voluntary & core benefits to suit your health and wellbeing – more information available on our careers site

Application Process

After completion of your initial application, if eligible, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. Practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what is expected at this stage ahead of completing the live assessments.

Those successful at this stage will be invited to our virtual assessment centres running throughout the period 14th October to 14th December 2024, and into January/February 2025. We will be running pre-assessment centre webinars to provide guidance on what to expect.

We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.

Eligibility

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us and we'll need to know if you've lived outside of the UK at any point in the last 10 years.

Placements

Our Undergraduate scheme is for those studying at university, who are required to complete a formal placement year as part of their course. It is a great opportunity for you to sample what it's like to work in world-class facilities, gain some technical knowledge and develop your skills and behaviours that will enable you to have a world-class future.

We look to take on placement students into a vast array of exciting roles at AWE including:

Analytical Radiochemistry, Data Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Nuclear Safety, Logistics, Cyber Security, Project Management, Materials Science and Physics.

Defence Scholarship Scheme

AWE each year recruits a number of students studying throughout their degrees to join us on our Defence Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme at AWE.

We recruit various engineering and science disciplines onto the programme whereby you undertake a summer placement at AWE, as well as receive tuition fees funding for up to 3 years of your course, and an annual financial bursary.

AWE recruits for scholarship places each summer, so please look out for opportunities to apply or register your interest.

Apprenticeships

Start your career with an employer who genuinely wants to invest in you and work with you to develop your potential. You will have the opportunity to work in world-class facilities, gaining knowledge, skills and behaviours that will enable you to have a world-class future.

Our apprenticeships, vary from level 3 Advanced to level 6 Batchelors Degree covering a broad spectrum of skills: from Engineering to Project Management. Regardless of your chosen path, from day one you will be on a programme that develops not just your technical capability, but also the skills required to be successful in your future roles.

You will receive 1-2-1 support and training that will provide you with both the knowledge and understanding of the role and also the work placements, giving you the opportunity to develop whilst in the role.

AWE is excited to announce their new Match Me tool, a quiz designed to support students in choosing the perfect apprenticeship role to apply for. Take the quiz and find out where your skills best align, then make an application. Roles are open now, don't delay.

AWE Match Me Quiz

Graduates

Evolve is our flagship Graduate Programme and we have opportunities across our six programmes; Engineering, Science, Environment, Safety and Health & Quality (ESH&Q), Finance, Project Management and Corporate and Operations.

As an Evolve graduate you will take part in a Core Development Programme alongside technical and pathway specific development. The programme is designed to provide broader, soft skills and understanding that will set you up for success in your career.

You will also complete rotational placements that are designed to provide you with technical knowledge and expertise across several disciplines within your chosen programme area. This additional core development will enhance your leadership skills and business acumen.

You will have access to a wide network of support and guidance during your time on the Evolve programme. You will be supported by a dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead who will help your transition into the business, provide pastoral support and work with you on your development journey. You will also be assigned a buddy and there will be opportunities to network and socialise with others on the Evolve programme through regular team meetings, pathway meetings and throughout the core development programme.

We also offer broader opportunities and initiatives within the business which can be undertaken alongside main placements and the core development programme. For example:

  • Evolve graduates were involved in supporting AWE's social media campaign for British Science Week.
  • Become an Ambassador: All Evolve graduates are encouraged to become STEM ambassadors and support related initiatives in local schools encouraging children of all ages into STEM.
  • Depending on your specific placements, you may have the opportunity to interact with UK and overseas partners and customers.

Responsibilities

  • Engaging in cutting edge research in a range of areas including nuclear forensics, quantum computing and analytical chemistry
  • The Evolve Science programme provides graduates with access to a range of engaging opportunities to learn and contribute to cutting-edge research and development
  • Working hands on in a laboratory developing and testing new materials, processes and equipment
  • Working with our supercomputing capability in developing sophisticated models
  • Using their technical insights to add value to projects within our Nuclear Threat Reduction programme in support of national security
  • Supporting the assessment of system performance of the UK's nuclear deterrent

Contract

40 hours per week

Candidate requirements

  • Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
  • Clear where you are going and how you will get there
  • You will gain a strong feeling of satisfaction that you are making a real difference to yourself, to AWE and to the safety and security of the UK
  • You will have the opportunity to socialise with other graduates and undergraduate placement students through organised events, the on-site Recreation Society, and ad-hoc activities
  • Evolve Science graduates could engage with experiences such as
  • In year two, you'll undertake two specialist' placements that will help you develop deeper technical skills and knowledge, working on scientific challenges that support our mission
  • Working with our supercomputing capability in developing sophisticated models
  • You will also be supported in working towards professional registration relevant to your role or discipline whilst on the Evolve programme

Skills used at work

  • Analytical chemistry
  • Chemistry
  • National security
  • Quantum computing

Job description

Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.

How Evolve will help accelerate your career

The Evolve Science programme provides graduates with access to a range of engaging opportunities to learn and contribute to cutting-edge research and development. Through a series of placements, which individuals will have a significant role in shaping and selecting, you will experience a sense of the breadth and depth of science at AWE whilst at the same time contributing meaningfully to our current projects.

  • During your first year, you'll get the opportunity to undertake several short placements to give you a broad awareness and understanding of Science at AWE.
  • In year two, you'll undertake two ‘specialist' placements that will help you develop deeper technical skills and knowledge, working on scientific challenges that support our mission.
  • During your placements you'll have the opportunity to work with leading scientists and experts in their field and have access to some of AWE's unique and specialist facilities.
  • The programme will help you gain a blend of scientific skills and experience that will enable you to enjoy an exciting and varied career, with lots of opportunity for continued development.
  • Alongside your placements you will undertake a core development programme supporting the development of the soft skills such as leadership, teamwork and resilience providing you with broader personal development opportunities.
  • You will also be supported in working towards professional registration relevant to your role or discipline whilst on the Evolve programme

Evolve Science graduates could engage with experiences such as:

  • Supporting the assessment of system performance of the UK's nuclear deterrent.
  • Engaging in cutting edge research in a range of areas including nuclear forensics, quantum computing and analytical chemistry.
  • Working with our supercomputing capability in developing sophisticated models.
  • Interfacing with scientists from US laboratories over shared projects and focuses.
  • Working hands on in a laboratory developing and testing new materials, processes and equipment.
  • Using their technical insights to add value to projects within our Nuclear Threat Reduction programme in support of national security.
  • Working alongside world-leading experts to overcome scientific challenges.

What AWE can offer you

  • AWE has a highly inclusive culture. You will be supported by colleagues and management to bring your unique contribution to our work.
  • You will undergo ‘DV' security clearance to allow you to work on classified programmes.
  • From day one you will be collaborating with like-minded people on challenging problems, and you will encounter many professional and personal development opportunities.
  • Depending on your specific placements, you may have the opportunity to interact with UK and overseas partners and customers.
  • There is a vibrant early careers community at AWE. You will have the opportunity to socialise with other graduates and undergraduate placement students through organised events, the on-site Recreation Society, and ad-hoc activities.
  • You can join any of our six staff-led Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working groups to help guide our supportive work culture.
  • You will gain a strong feeling of satisfaction that you are making a real difference to yourself, to AWE and to the safety and security of the UK.

What you will get

  • We will give you a competitive total reward package including salary element of £31,000 per annum and benefits including a market leading contributory pension scheme.
  • Generous holiday entitlement (270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays)
  • Excellent work/life balance
  • Nine-day working fortnight (this means you will not work every other Friday)
  • A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
  • A welcome payment
  • An option of an interest free loan of £1,000 as well as regular Graduate pay reviews
  • A structured and supported career progression
  • Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
  • Life Assurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services

Alongside these benefits, you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field.

What we are looking for

  • Determined – You are resilient and get things done. Clear where you are going and how you will get there.
  • Curious – You are a person who loves to think outside the box. (You are a person who loves to take the box apart!).
  • Growth Mindset – You are open to learning about new technologies and ground-breaking ideas.
  • Resilience – You are an advocate of ‘speaking up' for yourself and others openly and constructively.
  • Team Worker – You are dependable and reliable. You are interested in collaborating with and supporting others.
  • You will be recently qualified in a STEM-related discipline with applications particularly encouraged from those with academic backgrounds in: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Statistics, Materials Science, Computer Science, Seismology, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, Environmental Sciences or Forensics & Analytical Sciences.
  • Before starting with the business, you will need to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree.
  • You must be able to join AWE in September 2025. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.
  • Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

Accepted degree subjects

Any

Additional job details

Location: Aldermaston

Salary: £31,000

Contract, dates and working times: Fixed term Full-time

How to apply

Please only make one Graduate role application. We encourage you to take the time to reflect on which programme you feel matches your aspirations and motivations. We can only progress one application per candidate, so we encourage you to think about which role you feel you are most suited too.

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 us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.

Contact us

If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team

Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 30 November 2024

Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.

Closing date: 30 November 2024

Job posted: Sep 16, 2024

Expiration date: Sep 16, 2025