Quality Inspector Apprenticeship (Level 3 - Advanced)
AWE PLC
Berkshire, Farnborough
Closes on Sunday 11 January 2026
Posted on 9 October 2025
Contents
Summary
As a Quality Inspector Apprentice your role will include inspection of various mechanical and electrical components that are used within a production or trials environment, working to process written procedures and using your knowledge and experience to interpret requirements directly from drawings.
- 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
- Engineering 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
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3 years 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
These tasks may include the use of first principle measurements, using a variety of hand instruments, through to computer guided purpose-made precision measurement equipment.
You will initially be based within the Skills Academy for the first 18 to 24 months, where you will develop your basic knowledge and core skills, such as hand fitting, machining and measuring, before progressing on to the onsite aspect of your training.
At this point you will start to apply and further develop these core skills in a live working environment.
In addition to the vocational aspects of your training, we will further your knowledge of Quality through academic studies as you work towards the completion of a Level 3 Engineering and manufacturing support technician apprenticeship which includes a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technologies.
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
Engineering technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
Training schedule
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- 5 x inc English and Maths (grade 4 or above)
- Science (grade 4 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
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Patience
Other requirements
Applicants must be aged 16 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 • If you currently hold a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or similar, you should consider applying for a degree level apprenticeship. 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 role within one of the areas of AWE.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
FARNBOROUGH COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
earlycareers@awe.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000345001.
Apply now
Closes on Sunday 11 January 2026
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