Project Controls Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree)

About AWE

AWE is a team dedicated to keeping the UK safe and secure by deterring extreme threats to national security and way of life. Their work is critical, involving the delivery of 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 and global nuclear test monitoring.

About the Apprenticeship

As a Project Controls Apprentice, you will assist project teams in planning, monitoring, and delivering work across the business. You will develop skills in project controls, supporting major programmes, infrastructure projects, and operational teams. Your responsibilities will include:

• Breaking down large projects into manageable parts.
• Creating and checking project schedules, including task duration estimates.
• Setting and maintaining project baselines for progress tracking.
• Measuring project progress against the plan.
• Assisting with regular progress reporting.
• Forecasting project costs.
• Identifying deviations between the plan and actual progress.
• Supporting project change management and impact assessment.
• Utilising data and statistics for project decisions.
• Interpreting technical information, including engineering drawings, for project planning.
• Estimating time, cost, and resources for project activities.

You will begin with an induction, followed by project placements where you will apply your skills under the guidance of mentors and experienced colleagues, while studying for your degree-level apprenticeship.

Opportunities After Apprenticeship

Upon completion, you could progress to a Project Controls Practitioner role, contributing to projects and programmes vital for national security, managing schedules, costs, and risks.

About You

• Confident using IT, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Good communication and excellent team working skills.
• Leadership qualities.
• Health and safety awareness.
• Effective organisational skills.
• Passion for your chosen profession.
• High level of attention to detail.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:

• Working with and analysing data.
• Problem-solving.
• Collaborative teamwork.
• Challenging existing practices for improvement.
• Applying logic.
• Planning ahead.

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs 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. Preferably in a related subject (e.g., Maths, Analytics, Business, Statistics, Economics, IT).
• Must be a British National and aged 18 or over by 1 April 2027 due to security requirements.

Benefits

• Starting salary of £24,500 per year, increasing to £26,000 in Year 2, with further annual increases based on performance and milestones.
• Market-leading contributory pension scheme.
• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year (inclusive of Bank Holidays).
• Every other Friday off as part of a flexible working pattern.
• Access to an employee discounts portal.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.

Location

AWE Aldermaston and/or AWE Burghfield sites, Reading areas. This is an on-site role.

Start Date

1st September 2027

Apprenticeship Duration

48 months plus End Point Assessment.

Recruitment Process

• Online application: Submit your application.
• Online test: Numerical, verbal, logical, and cognitive reasoning tests.
• In-person Assessment: Assessment centres scheduled for 23rd November 2026.

Note: Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the vacancy may close before the stated closing date if application numbers are high. You must be a British Citizen and have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years to apply for SC clearance.