Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree)
AWE PLC
Berkshire, Newbury
Closes on Sunday 11 January 2026
Posted on 9 October 2025
Contents
Summary
As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice, you will develop the knowledge and people skills to enable the design and manufacture of a wide range of products, materials and tools to support the successful delivery of our programme of work.
- Wage
-
£23,500 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
A starting salary of £23,500 yearly, increasing to £25,000 in Year 2 and annually throughout your apprenticeship — subject to meeting key milestones and performance expectations.
- Training course
- Manufacturing engineer (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 College training times.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
5 years 6 months
- Positions available
-
10
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
Our operations include precision component manufacture, fabrication, explosive formulation, fissile material production, rubbers and plastics, and warhead assembly and disassembly.
The role of a Manufacturing Engineer within this area of our business is to realise product design, delivering and managing process and tooling designs / improvements. We work in a highly regulated environment so this will include the creation and configuration of manufacturing process documentation in accordance with appropriate procedures and legislation. This is to make sure that everyone operates safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way, meeting the requirements set out by AWE and those of the Professional Body Institutions.
You will develop a fundamental knowledge of engineering / science principles and practices. On completion of your apprenticeship, you will be able to demonstrate discipline skills commensurate with your role that typically will include design, plant performance enhancements, operational management, project management and maintenance of safety standards utilising analytical thinking to provide innovative solutions.
Throughout your apprenticeship you will attend college one day a week to complete your degree in manufacturing engineering.
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
- Newbury College Training Only, Monks Lane, Newbury, RG14 7TD
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NEWBURY COLLEGE
Training course
Manufacturing engineer (degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Foundation Stage: Complying with statutory regulations and stringent organisational safety requirements
- Foundation Stage: Producing components using hand fitting, fabrication and joining techniques
- Foundation Stage: Producing Computer Aided Design (CAD) models (drawings) using a CAD system
- Foundation Stage: Preparing and using lathes, milling and other general or specialist machines and high tech equipment
- Foundation Stage: Preparing and proving Computer Numeric Control programmes
- Foundation Stage: Using computer software packages to assist with and evaluate engineering activities
- Foundation Stage: Producing and managing engineering project plans
- Foundation Stage: Producing assemblies using a wide range of materials and techniques
- Development Team: Project management and scheduling engineering activities
- Development Team: Securing appropriate resources and managing budgets and resources
- Development Team: Implementing, monitoring and evaluating engineering processes
Training schedule
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
A Level in:
Desirable qualifications
BTEC 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
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- 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
When you complete your apprenticeship, you will join one of our engineering teams as a Manufacturing Engineer.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
NEWBURY COLLEGE
earlycareers@awe.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000344959.
Apply now
Closes on Sunday 11 January 2026
Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply.
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.