Metrology Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3 - Advanced)
AWE PLC
Berkshire, Teddington Middlesex
Closes on Sunday 11 January 2026
Posted on 9 October 2025
Contents
Summary
As a Level 3 Advanced Metrology Technician apprentice you are on the first step of a career pathway to Principal Quality Engineer at AWE. The apprenticeship is a 3-year course comprising of approximately 20% study and 80% workplace activity.
- 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
- Metrology technician (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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3 years 3 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
- You will identify measurement needs, plan and perform measurement tasks using tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programmes.
- Metrology is a vital skill to improve and verify the quality of products and components.
- It concerns all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement.
- You will apply the understanding of core measurement principles and practices to your role, which is, to interpret and practically apply these, within a production or trials environment.
The workplace activities will be a combination of placements in the Skills Academy and onsite rotations. You will develop your basic knowledge and core skills in the Skills Academy for the first year, before progressing around AWE to apply your training. In addition to the vocational aspects of your training, you will further your knowledge of metrology through academic studies at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in London.
You will study the Level 3 Metrology Technician apprenticeship and on successful completion you will be eligible for professional registration as either Registered Engineering Technician (EngTech) or Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
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
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington Middlesex, TW11 0LW
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Training course
Metrology technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Identify measurement needs and make informed decisions about the measurement process and timescales required, including selection of; tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs.
- Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process including; data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates and computer-generated information.
- Prepare the work environment and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs and determine suitability for use.
- Take action when non-conforming tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs have been identified.
- Plan and perform measurement tasks to ensure verifiable results, using measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs, following specified procedures and methodologies.
- Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate and record measurement results and data in line with specifications.
- Contribute to the production of records, reports and other measurement documentation.
- Communicate relevant and specific information through various channels to meet customer requirements.
- Comply with statutory regulations, national and international standards, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to codes of conduct when carrying out measurement tasks.
- Comply with relevant Health and Safety legislation, regulation, standards, industry and organisational policies and procedures and requirements relating to safe working practices.
- Comply with policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, standards, control and handling of samples, tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs.
Training schedule
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- 4 x inc English and Maths (grade 4 or above)
- Science based (grade 5/B 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
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- 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
Following completion of your apprenticeship and subject to business need and your career aspirations, you will outturn into a Quality inspector- Specialist role within one of the areas of AWE.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
earlycareers@awe.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000344963.
Apply now
Closes on Sunday 11 January 2026
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