HR Apprenticeship (Level 3 – Advanced)
AWE PLC
Berkshire, Farnborough
Closes on Sunday 7 December 2025
Posted on 9 October 2025
Contents
Summary
Human Resources (HR) is a function in AWE, that directly provides services and support to our Workforce, that enable people to carry out their jobs effectively and make the most of their time at AWE.
- 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
- HR support (level 3)
- Hours
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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
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1 year 9 months
- Positions available
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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
On the HR Apprenticeship, you will gain skills and knowledge in several areas of the HR Function, by attending placements including:
• Case management (investigations, disciplinaries absence management)
• Reward and Recognition (Governance of reward processes, recognition of staff achievements)
• Recruitment (supporting the internal and external recruitment of AWE)
• Business Partners (working with the business at a tactical and strategic level)
• Learning and Development (supporting the learning and development of AWE employees)
• HR Help Desk (dealing with general queries, forwarding onto appropriate depts)
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
- Farnborough College of Technology Training Only, Boundary Road, Farnborough, GU14 6SB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
FARNBOROUGH COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Training course
HR support (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Service Delivery: Delivers excellent customer service on a range of HR queries and requirements, providing solutions, advice and support primarily to managers. Builds managers’ expertise in HR matters, improving their ability to handle repeated situations themselves where appropriate. Uses agreed systems and processes to deliver service to customers. Takes the initiative to meet agreed individual and team KPIs in line with company policy, values, standards. Plans and organises their work, often without direct supervision, to meet commitments and KPIs.
- Problem Solving: Uses sound questioning and active listening skills to understand requirements and establish root causes before developing HR solutions. Takes ownership through to resolution, escalating complex situations as appropriate.
- Communication & Interpersonal: Deals effectively with customers/colleagues, using sound interpersonal skills and communicating well through a range of media eg phone, face to face, email, internet. Adapts their style to their audience. Builds trust and sound relationships with customers. Handles conflict and sensitive HR situations professionally and confidentially.
- Teamwork: Consistently supports colleagues /collaborates within the team and HR to achieve results. Builds/maintains strong working relationships with others in the team and across HR where necessary.
- Process Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve HR performance and service; acts on them within the authority of their role. Supports implementation of HR changes/projects with the business.
- Managing HR Information: Maintains required HR records as part of services delivered. Prepares reports and management information from HR data, with interpretation as required.
- Personal Development: Keeps up to date with business changes and HR legal/policy/process changes relevant to their role. Seeks feedback and acts on it to improve their performance and overall capability.
Training schedule
Working towards a Level 3 HR Support 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
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative 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 Services
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
• Reward advisor
• HR Coordinator
• HR Advisor
• HR Associate
• HR Analyst
• HR Advisor Onboarding
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
FARNBOROUGH COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
earlycareers@awe.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000344915.
Apply now
Closes on Sunday 7 December 2025
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