Engineering
Level 6 Mechanical Design Engineering Degree Apprentice
AWE
Location
Reading
Salary
£24,500 starting salary, increasing to £26,000 in Year 2
Duration
4 years plus End Point Assessment
Positions available
1
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Degree awarded
Level 6
Start date
1st September 2027
Application deadline
1 November 2026
Vacancy reference
R31827
Minimum grades
3 A Levels Grade C+ (including Maths and Physics), 5 GCSEs Grade C+ (including Maths, English, Science/Technology/Engineering)
About the role
As a Mechanical Design Engineering Degree Apprentice, you will develop skills, knowledge and behaviours to become a Mechanical Design Engineer at AWE. You will apply mechanical engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges, create safe and effective design solutions, and support the through-life management of critical systems. You will learn from experienced engineers and technical specialists, contributing to real projects that support AWE's unique mission in keeping the UK safe.
Requirements
3 A levels at Grade C or above, including Maths and Physics, or BTEC Level 3 Diploma in engineering. 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject. Must be British National and aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027. Willingness to obtain and maintain necessary security clearance.
Working week
Full time, on-site at AWE Aldermaston and/or AWE Burghfield sites. Every other Friday off as part of AWE's flexible working pattern.
Skills
CAD softwareTechnical drawingEngineering analysisProblem solvingCommunicationTeamworkAttention to detailMathematical reasoning
Required qualifications
Essential
A Level · Maths · Grade C
Essential
A Level · Physics · Grade C
Essential
A Level · Any · Grade C
Desired
BTEC Level 3 · Engineering · Grade Merit
Essential
GCSE · Mathematics · Grade C
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade C
Essential
GCSE · Science, Technology or Engineering · Grade C
Training & development
Mix of degree study, placements and practical work experience. You will learn to turn customer and business requirements into engineering solutions, understand design development and improvement processes, work with cross-functional teams, and use tools such as CAD software, technical drawings, engineering analysis, and manufacturing processes.
Future prospects
After successfully completing the apprenticeship, you will continue to develop as a professional engineer. Your first role may be as a Mechanical Design Engineer, with longer-term career routes including Product Design Team or Hydrodynamic Trials Team roles.
Company benefits
Starting salary £24,500, increasing to £26,000 in Year 2 with further annual increases. Market leading contributory pension scheme. Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year inclusive of Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off. Access to employee discounts portal. Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services. Learning from experienced specialists in fields supporting national nuclear security.
Things to consider
This role requires on-site work at AWE Aldermaston and/or AWE Burghfield sites. You must be a British National, be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027, and be willing to obtain and maintain security clearance. You should expect to work on-site during and after your apprenticeship. Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 1st October due to mandatory inductions.
About AWE
AWE is the UK's independent nuclear deterrent team, united by the mission of keeping the UK safe and secure. They work on critical national security projects including delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent, and supporting the UK government in areas from counter-terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring.
Contact email
EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk
If this one works out
This role is in Reading. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £650–£900 a month.