Project Controls Degree Level Apprenticeship - Aldermaston

Project Controls Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree)  

About AWE

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.

About the apprenticeship:

As a Project Controls Apprentice your role will include supporting and then leading on the key areas of Project Controls; cost information, estimates, schedules and plans, risk, change, scoping documents, statistics, probabilities, engineering drawings and plans.

Whilst rotating through various programmes around the business, you will gain an understanding of: 

• Project Breakdown Structures - Cost; Work; Organisational 

• Schedule Development - Schedule Quality,  Duration estimating, interactive planning sessions 

• Baseline Management - Creating and Maintaining Project Baselines 

• Performance Measurement and Analysis 

• Business Rhythm - Month End Reporting and Analysis 

• Cost Forecasting  

• Variance Analysis 

• Change Management

• The use of statistics

• Technical use of engineering drawings.

• Estimating

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As an apprentice you will receive an initial induction, where you will develop your basic knowledge, people skills, and technical skills, before progressing out on to a Programme for your initial placement.  At this point you will start to develop and apply your core skills in a live working environment. You will be working with placement mentors who will help to support and develop you.  In addition to the vocational aspects of your training, you will further your knowledge of project controls through academic studies, as you work towards the completion of your degree level apprenticeship.

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship:

You will have opportunities to out-turn as a Project Controls practitioner. You will be contributing to projects and programmes that play a vital role in keeping the UK safe and secure. You'll be part of a team, managing schedules, costs, and risks on programmes that have lasting national significance.

Apprenticeship Standard:

Project Controls Professional (ST0845)

Training Provider:

The training provider for this role is still to be confirmed

About You  :

• IT Proficiency

• Good communication skills 

• Excellent team working skills 

• Leadership qualities

• Health and safety aware 

• Effective organisational skills

• Passion for your chosen profession

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:

• Problem solving activities 

• Selling your ideas 

• Working collaboratively as part of a team 

• Challenging existing practises when you can see ways of improving them. 

• Applying logic to situations 

• Planning ahead.

Entry Requirements:

• 5 GCSE's at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English

• 3 A Levels at CCC or above; or T Level Pass (C or above on the core); or BTEC Extended Diploma at MMM

• Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 1st April 2026 to ensure DV clearance is in place upon commencement of employment.

• You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

The Benefits:

• A starting salary of £23,500 yearly, increasing to £25,000 in Year 2 and annually throughout your apprenticeship - subject to meeting key milestones and performance expectations.

• Market leading contributory pension scheme 

• Generous holiday entitlement of 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off 

• Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure 

• 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 whilst helping us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions. 

Location:

Aldermaston/Reading area

Start Date: Tuesday 1 st September 2026

Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 2nd October 2026 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. 

Duration:

48 months plus End Point Assessment

Recruitment Process  

This vacancy will close on 23rd November 2025 , but we review applications as they come in-so we strongly encourage you to apply early.

We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we've kept it simple with a three step process.

Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.

Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Don't be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect.

Virtual assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to a virtual assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 26th November 2025 and 15th December 2025. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, we'll keep all applicants informed throughout the process.

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.  

We encourage diverse applicants and we're here to support you all the way. We encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments on your application. 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. Learn about how we handle your data.

Contact us 

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