High Performance Computing Apprenticeship (Level 3 - Advanced)
AWE PLC
Berkshire, London
Closes on Sunday 7 December 2025
Posted on 9 October 2025
Contents
Summary
Working as part of the High-Performance Computing (HPC) Group to provide system administration support for AWE’s HPC supercomputers, you will be part of a team that is managing some of the most powerful supercomputers in the UK and supporting computational services that are essential to AWE’s scientific and engineering programmes.
- Wage
-
£16,750 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
• A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing to £23,500 in Year 2 and annually throughout your apprenticeship — subject to meeting key milestones and performance expectations.
- Training course
- Information communications technician (level 3)
- 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 College training times.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 9 months
- 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
As a High Performance Computing (HPC) Apprentice, you will spend the first few weeks of your apprenticeship within AWE’s Skills Academy; before moving out into different placements within the HPC group.
During these placements, you will learn a range of skills, including:
• Linux operating system administration (installation, configuration and management)
• Linux shell scripting
• Computer hardware (building/repairing)
• Networking
• File system management
• Computer security concepts
• System monitoring and fault diagnosis
• Customer interaction and problem investigation
Training is primarily in-house but may also include technical training courses.
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PR
- Estio Training Only, 1 Portsoken St, London, E1 8PH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ESTIO TRAINING LIMITED
Training course
Information communications technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Interpret and prioritise internal or external customer's requirements in line with organisation's policy
- Apply the appropriate tools and techniques to undertake fault finding and rectification
- apply Continuous Professional Development to support necessary business output and technical developments
- Operate safely and securely across platforms and responsibilities maintaining the security of personal data of internal and external stakeholders
- Communicate with all levels of stakeholders, keeping them informed of progress and managing escalation where appropriate
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers and other relevant stakeholders
- Manage and prioritise the allocated workload effectively making best use of time and resources
- Complete documentation relevant to the task and escalate where appropriate
- Install or undertake basic software upgrades,either physically or remotely
- Establish and diagnose the extent of the IT support task, in line with the organisation's policies and Service Level Agreements
- Provide remote/F2F support to resolve customer requirements
- Maintain a safe working environment for own personal safety and others in line with Health & Safety appropriate to the task
- Identify and scope the best solution informed by the system data associated with the task
- Test and evaluate the system's performance and compliance with customer requirements.
- Escalate non routine problems in line with procedures
- Use basic scripting to execute the relevant tasks for example PowerShell, Linux
- Carry out routine maintenance across systems, (such as IT, Communications), ensuring organisational compliance at all times
- Apply the necessary security, in line with access and/or encryption requirements
- Use a range of Cabling or Connectors equipment in line with technical requirements for example physically or remotely
- Test and evaluate network environments
- Monitor performance and usage of a network
- Deploy applications on a network
- Set up storage and data access for staff
- Apply necessary security measures, in line with access requirements to a network
- Carry out routine maintenance across network systems, ensuring organisational compliance
- Monitor network-related workloads including DNS and firewalls
- Install or undertake basic upgrades, either physically or remotely
- Establish digital communication or telecommunications systems through, for example cabling and connecting equipment.
- Identify a range of tools and or diagnostic equipment, for example, Hardware or Software components, to resolve Communications or Telecommunications requirements.
- Undertake basic telecommunications activities, in response to an allocated task, designated responsibilities, instructions or customer’s requirements.
- Use information necessary to identify operational issues and rectify or escalate accordingly in line with policy
- Interpret and prioritise internal or external customer's requirements in line with organisation's policy
- Apply the appropriate tools and techniques to undertake fault finding and rectification
- apply Continuous Professional Development to support necessary business output and technical developments
- Operate safely and securely across platforms and responsibilities maintaining the security of personal data of internal and external stakeholders
- Communicate with all levels of stakeholders, keeping them informed of progress and managing escalation where appropriate
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers and other relevant stakeholders
- Manage and prioritise the allocated workload effectively making best use of time and resources
- Complete documentation relevant to the task and escalate where appropriate
- Install or undertake basic software upgrades,either physically or remotely
- Establish and diagnose the extent of the IT support task, in line with the organisation's policies and Service Level Agreements
- Provide remote/F2F support to resolve customer requirements
- Maintain a safe working environment for own personal safety and others in line with Health & Safety appropriate to the task
Training schedule
Level 3 Information Communications Technician apprenticeship standard
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Patience
Other requirements
• Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2026 due to security clearance requirements • You must be a British National to apply for a role with us. Start Date: Tuesday 1st 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.
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.
https://www.awe.co.uk/careers/early-careers/apprenticeships (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
• Generous holiday entitlement of 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off. • Access to employee discounts portal • Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Service
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
Previous apprentices have successfully out turned into HPC roles that include: System Administrator, Network Administrator and Software Developer.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ESTIO TRAINING LIMITED
earlycareers@awe.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000344899.
Apply now
Closes on Sunday 7 December 2025
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