Building Services Asset Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
About the role
As a Building Services Asset Engineering Degree Apprentice, you will learn how the building systems that support AWE’s important facilities are maintained, improved and kept safe, reliable and available. You will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become a Building Services Asset Engineer within AWE’s Asset Engineering function.
This is not a generic building services design role. It is focused on maintaining, improving and assuring the performance of complex building services and facility systems that support national security operations within a licensed nuclear environment.
You will work alongside experienced engineers responsible for ensuring that building services plant and infrastructure remain safe, reliable, compliant and available throughout their operational lifecycle.
Through an approved provider, structured placements and workplace experience, you will learn how engineering decisions support:
- Nuclear safety and safe facility operation
- Facility reliability and asset availability
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), ventilation, LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation), heating, cooling, water and electrical building services performance
- Building management systems and energy performance
- Engineering change, commissioning, handover and configuration control
- Maintenance optimisation, asset information quality and lifecycle renewal
- Regulatory compliance, SQEP (Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person) development and continuous improvement
- Nuclear safety-related equipment and environmental protection systems in high hazard facility infrastructure
- Heat exchangers, pressurised gasses, lifting equipment and handling systems
Working week
9 day fortnight. 33 hrs on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day. 41 hrs on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs. Please note hours may alter due to your offsite training establishment training times.
Skills
Required qualifications
Training & development
Building Services Engineer Level 6.
Please note this is a 72-month apprenticeship followed by the End Point Assessment.
Please note that the training provider for this apprenticeship will be an external organisation and is yet to be confirmed. We will share details once they are finalised. Training may be delivered through either day release or block release, depending on the provider and apprenticeship programme.
Following successful completion of your apprenticeship you will complete your training as an Asset Engineer (Building Services) with longer term career pathways that may include:
- HVAC/Ventilation Asset Engineer
- Facilities and Infrastructure Engineer
- Building Services Systems Engineer
- Reliability or Maintenance Strategy Engineer
- Longer-term pathways into Senior Asset Engineer, Engineering Manager, Principal Engineer or specialist building services roles
Company benefits
- Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
- Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism
Things to consider
- A Levels: BBC, including maths and a science subject in either Chemistry or Physics. Equivalent to 112 UCAS points
- T Level: Merit or above in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning. Equivalent to 120 UCAS points
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in an Engineering subject area, with a minimum of Merit in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Equivalent to 128 UCAS points
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: D*D* in an Engineering subject area, with a minimum of Merit in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Equivalent to 112 UCAS points
Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.
Start Date: 1st September 2027. Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 1st October due to mandatory inductions you are required to complete as part of your apprenticeship. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.
These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.
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.
If you choose to share information on your application form about support needs, learning differences, disabilities, health conditions or adjustments, we may contact you to understand how we can support you through the recruitment process. This information will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.
About AWE PLC
We’re a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies.
Our work is critical. We’re delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that’s just part of the story.
We support the UK government in a range of vital areas – from counter-terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security.
At AWE, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique.
Be extraordinary at AWE.
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.