Chemistry Laboratory Technician Higher Apprenticeship

Job Details

Chemistry Laboratory Technician Higher Apprenticeship

About The Role

As a Materials and Analytical Science Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you will spend the first few weeks of your apprenticeship within the Skills Academy; before joining the Materials and Analytical Sciences team based in our laboratories across the AWE Aldermaston site. The Materials and Analytical Sciences function are responsible for the research, testing and analysis of several different materials ranging from warhead components to environmental samples. This work is vital in assuring our mission to deliver the warhead is accomplished whilst keeping our people and environment safe.

During the time in placements, you will undertake and complete various laboratory-based tasks which will enable you to develop a complete set of skills and knowledge required to work successfully at AWE. 

During your apprenticeship journey, you will learn the following skills:

• Laboratory safety
• Handling of hazardous substances- awareness of radioactive and explosive materials
• Quality and its application in a laboratory environment
• Customer service skills
• Use of laboratory equipment
• Preparation of substances
• Sample preparation
• Analysis of samples
• Data handling
• Checking and reporting of results

In addition, you will also be given the opportunity for personal development through activities such as team building challenges, organisational awareness presentations, health and safety workshops and charity projects.

A part of this role will require wearing Health and Safety equipment such as a respirator. Therefore, successful candidates will need to undergo a medical assessment for suitability for the position within the required parameters for the health and safety equipment’s requirements.

About you

• Excellent team working skills  
• Good communication skills
• Awareness of health and safety
• The ability to follow instructions
• The ability to concentrate for long periods
• A real passion for this type of work

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English and 3 A Levels including Chemistry (or equivalent)
• Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2025 due to security clearance requirements  
• You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

The Benefits

• We offer our apprentices a starting salary of £22,250 increasing annually throughout your apprenticeship
• Market leading contributory pension scheme 
• Generous holiday entitlement 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.

About AWE

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.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.