Key Takeaways
- Start your HR career with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship at AWE.
- Earn a starting salary of £16,750, rising to £24,500 in Year 2.
- Gain experience in case management, recruitment, reward, and more.
- Applications close on 8th November 2026.
- Based in Green Park, Reading, with hybrid working.
About the Role
About AWE
AWE is a team of remarkable people united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. Their work is critical, delivering the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. They also support the UK government in areas such as counter-terrorism, global nuclear test monitoring, and building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science.
About the Apprenticeship
The People, Culture and Communication function at AWE provides services and support to the workforce, enabling people to carry out their jobs effectively. This includes assisting with recruitment, supporting development, answering HR queries, recognising achievements, and helping resolve workplace issues.
On this HR Apprenticeship, you will gain skills and knowledge in several areas of the People, Culture and Communication function by spending time in different teams. This will help you understand how HR supports both employees and the wider business.
Your placements may include:
- Case management: Supporting with employee relations processes such as investigations, absence management and disciplinary matters.
- Reward and recognition: Supporting processes linked to pay, benefits and recognising employee achievements.
- Recruitment: Helping with internal and external recruitment activity at AWE.
- HR Business Partners: Seeing how HR works with different areas of the business to support people, teams and business priorities.
- Learning and Development: Supporting training and development opportunities for AWE employees.
- HR Help Desk: Helping respond to general HR questions and making sure queries reach the right team.
Opportunities on Completion
Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, potential roles include:
- Reward Advisor
- HR Coordinator
- HR Advisor
- HR Associate
- HR Analyst
- HR Advisor Onboarding
About You
- PC literate
- Good communication skills
- Excellent team working skills
- Health and safety aware
- Effective at following instructions
- Ability to concentrate for long periods
- Passion for your chosen profession
This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:
- Working as part of a large team to support a common goal
- Helping others
- Working in an office environment
- Planning and being organised
- Understanding how a business works and how HR supports people and teams.
Entry Requirements
- 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English.
- Due to security requirements, applicants must be British Nationals and aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.
Benefits
- A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing to £24,500 in Year 2, with further annual salary increases throughout your apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory performance and achievement of apprenticeship milestones.
- Market leading contributory pension scheme.
- Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off as part of AWE’s flexible working pattern.
- Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
Location
Green Park, Reading. You will usually be expected to work on-site three days a week during your apprenticeship.
Start Date
1st September 2027
Apprenticeship Duration
18 months plus End Point Assessment.
Recruitment Process
This vacancy will close on 8th November 2026. Applications are reviewed as they come in, so early application is encouraged.
The process includes:
- Online application
- Online test
- In-person assessment (scheduled for 10th December 2026, subject to change).
All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. You must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years to apply for SC clearance.
Occupational Health pre-employment medicals are required.
Important Information
- You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role, funded by AWE. You must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years to apply for SC clearance.
- Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
- Interviews typically take place over Teams and are usually a 1-stage process for most roles.
- You must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with AWE.