Metrology Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3 - Advanced)
AWE PLC
Berkshire (RG7 4PR)
Closes on Sunday 11 January 2026
Posted on 3 November 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
-
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.
Exact working days and hours TBC.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 3 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
- 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.
Where you'll work
Atomic Weapons Establishment
Aldermaston
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 4PR
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 requirements and make informed decisions about the measurement method, process and timescales required.
- Identify and select tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs to meet measurement requirements.
- Plan and prepare for measurement tasks following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
- Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process, for example data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates.
- Prepare the work environment.
- Select and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs, determine suitability for use and metrological confirmation.
- Take appropriate action when non-conforming tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs have been identified, for example reporting any non-conformance via the appropriate channels.
- Perform measurement tasks to ensure verifiable, traceable and reproducible results, using measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs, following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
- Maintain the work area following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
- Follow organisational policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, control, handling and disposal of resources, for example standards, samples, materials, tools, equipment, instrumentation and software.
- Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate, format, record and store measurement results and data in line with organisational specifications and data management regulations and procedures.
- Produce, manage and store records, reports and other measurement documentation in line with data management regulations and organisational procedures.
- Solve problems, take an analytical approach, corrective and preventative action within level of own authority, following organisational policies and procedures.
- Contribute to continuous improvement activities individually or as part of a team, recognising the relevance of efficiency and the need for change to processes and procedures to meet commercial and customer requirements.
- Communicate relevant, specific and accurate information through various channels to meet customer requirements and the needs of the audience.
- Work with others and maintain effective professional relationships by working flexibly and collaboratively.
- Plan and manage own time effectively and prioritise resources and own workload to meet deadlines and customer requirements.
- Use digital tools, software and techniques for work, collaboration or continuous professional development.
- Comply with statutory regulations, national and international standards relevant to the organisation, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to codes of conduct when carrying out measurement tasks.
- Comply with health and safety legislation, regulations, industry standards and organisational policies and procedures for safe working practices, raising any concerns via the relevant channels.
- Contribute to risk assessments following organisational policies and procedures.
- Identify measurement requirements and make informed decisions about the measurement method, process and timescales required.
- Identify and select tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs to meet measurement requirements.
- Plan and prepare for measurement tasks following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
- Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process, for example data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates.
- Prepare the work environment.
- Select and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs, determine suitability for use and metrological confirmation.
- Take appropriate action when non-conforming tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs have been identified, for example reporting any non-conformance via the appropriate channels.
- Perform measurement tasks to ensure verifiable, traceable and reproducible results, using measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs, following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
- Maintain the work area following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
- Follow organisational policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, control, handling and disposal of resources, for example standards, samples, materials, tools, equipment, instrumentation and software.
- Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate, format, record and store measurement results and data in line with organisational specifications and data management regulations and procedures.
- Produce, manage and store records, reports and other measurement documentation in line with data management regulations and organisational procedures.
- Solve problems, take an analytical approach, corrective and preventative action within level of own authority, following organisational policies and procedures.
- Contribute to continuous improvement activities individually or as part of a team, recognising the relevance of efficiency and the need for change to processes and procedures to meet commercial and customer requirements.
- Communicate relevant, specific and accurate information through various channels to meet customer requirements and the needs of the audience.
- Work with others and maintain effective professional relationships by working flexibly and collaboratively.
- Plan and manage own time effectively and prioritise resources and own workload to meet deadlines and customer requirements.
- Use digital tools, software and techniques for work, collaboration or continuous professional development.
- Comply with statutory regulations, national and international standards relevant to the organisation, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to codes of conduct when carrying out measurement tasks.
- Comply with health and safety legislation, regulations, industry standards and organisational policies and procedures for safe working practices, raising any concerns via the relevant channels.
- Contribute to risk assessments following organisational policies and procedures.
Training schedule
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).
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 (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.
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 VAC1000349245.
Apply now
Closes on Sunday 11 January 2026
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