Data Scientist Level 6 Apprenticeship

AWE PLC

Berkshire (RG7 4PR)

Closes in 23 days (Sunday 8 November 2026)

Posted on 15 October 2026

---

Summary

As a Data Science Apprentice, you will work in different parts of the business and learn how data can help answer questions, improve decisions and solve real problems. You will be supported by experienced data scientists, analysts, engineers and technical specialists.

• Wage:

  £24,500 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  A starting salary of £24,500 yearly, increasing to £26,000 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.

• Training course: Data scientist (integrated degree) (level 6)
• Hours: 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.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Wednesday 1 September 2027

• Duration:

  3 years

• Positions available:

  2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

This degree apprenticeship is a great opportunity to build your skills in using data to solve problems. You will learn about statistics, data science, analytics and artificial intelligence, and how these are used in a real workplace.

As a Data Science Apprentice, you will work in different parts of the business and learn how data can help answer questions, improve decisions and solve real problems. You will be supported by experienced data scientists, analysts, engineers and technical specialists while you develop skills in:

• Using statistics to understand data and test ideas
• Presenting data clearly using charts, dashboards and visual tools
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence, which help computers find patterns and support decision-making
• Programming using tools such as Python, R and SQL to work with data
• Collecting, organising and managing data so it can be used effectively
• Using modern data platforms and software used by data teams
• Using data and artificial intelligence responsibly, safely and fairly
• Working with powerful computer systems that can process large amounts of information
• Explaining your findings clearly to people with different levels of technical knowledge

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will spend time in different areas of the business while studying towards a degree with an approved training provider. You will work on projects that support areas such as engineering, science, operations and corporate teams, helping colleagues use data to understand information and make better decisions.

Where you'll work

Atomic Weapons Establishment
Aldermaston
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 4PR

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

AWE PLC

Training course

Data scientist (integrated degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Identify and clarify problems an organisation faces, and reformulate them into Data Science problems. Devise solutions and make decisions in context by seeking feedback from stakeholders. Apply scientific methods through experiment design, measurement, hypothesis testing and delivery of results.  Collaborate with colleagues to gather requirements.
• Perform data engineering: create and handle datasets for analysis. Use tools and techniques to source, access, explore, profile, pipeline, combine, transform and store data, and apply governance (quality control, security, privacy) to data.
• Identify and use an appropriate range of programming languages and tools for data manipulation, analysis, visualisation, and system integration. Select appropriate data structures and algorithms for the problem.  Develop reproducible analysis and robust code, working in accordance with software development standards, including security, accessibility, code quality and version control.
• Use analysis and models to inform and improve organisational outcomes, building models and validating results with statistical testing: perform statistical analysis, correlation vs causation, feature selection and engineering, machine learning, optimisation, and simulations, using the appropriate techniques for the problem.
• Implement data solutions, using relevant software engineering architectures and design patterns. Evaluate Cloud vs. on-premise deployment.  Determine the implicit and explicit value of data. Assess value for money and Return on Investment.  Scale a system up/out. Evaluate emerging trends and new approaches. Compare the pros and cons of software applications and techniques.
• Find, present, communicate and disseminate outputs effectively and with high impact through creative storytelling, tailoring the message for the audience. Use the best medium for each audience, such as technical writing, reporting and dashboards.  Visualise data to tell compelling and actionable narratives.  Make recommendations to decision makers to contribute towards the achievement of organisation goals.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships at strategic and operational levels, using methods of organisational empathy (human, organisation and technical) and build relationships through active listening and trust development.
• Use project delivery techniques and tools appropriate to their Data Science project and organisation. Plan, organise and manage resources to successfully run a small Data Science project, achieve organisational goals and enable effective change.

Training schedule

Please note the apprenticeship is 36 months followed by the End Point Assessment.

More training information

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.

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. 

Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

• Mathematics (or equivalent) (grade C or above)
• Stem related (or A level equivalent) (grade C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Administrative skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working

Other requirements

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.

Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31st August 2027.

104 UCAS Points including A Level Mathematics at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualification), and a second STEM-related A Level at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualification). Candidates achieving Grade B or above in Mathematics are particularly encouraged to apply.
GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/C or above.

 

About this employer

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.

http://www.awe.co.uk (opens in new tab)

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.

 

 

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

After your apprenticeship, there may also be opportunities to keep developing your skills. This could include further specialist training, professional accreditation or postgraduate study, if this supports the needs of the business.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

AWE PLC

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000058648.

Apply now

Closes in 23 days (Sunday 8 November 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.