Human Resources Apprenticeship
AWE PLC
Berkshire (RG7 4PR)
Closes in 26 days (Sunday 8 November 2026)
Posted on 12 October 2026
Contents
Summary
Supporting AWE staff with their development, answering HR queries, recognising achievements, and helping managers and employees when workplace issues need to be resolved.
- Wage
-
£16,750 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing to £24,500 in Year 2, with further annual salary increases throughout your apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory performance and achievement of apprenticeship milestones
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off as part of AWE’s flexible working pattern - 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 your offsite training establishment training times.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Wednesday 1 September 2027
- Duration
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1 year 6 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
People, Culture and Communication is a function in AWE that directly provides services and support to our Workforce, enabling people to carry out their jobs effectively and make the most of their time at AWE. This includes helping people join the organisation, supporting their development, answering HR queries, recognising achievements, and helping managers and employees when workplace issues need to be resolved. On the Human Resources (HR) Apprenticeship, you will gain skills and knowledge in several areas of the People, Culture and Communication function by spending time in different teams. This will help you understand how HR supports both employees and the wider business.
Your placements may include:
- Case management — supporting with employee relations processes such as investigations, absence management and disciplinary matters
- Reward and recognition — supporting processes linked to pay, benefits and recognising employee achievements
- Recruitment — helping with internal and external recruitment activity at AWE
- HR Business Partners — seeing how HR works with different areas of the business to support people, teams and business priorities
- Learning and Development — supporting training and development opportunities for AWE employees
- HR Help Desk — helping respond to general HR questions and making sure queries reach the right team
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
AWE PLC
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
Please note this is an 18 month Apprenticeship followed by the End Point Assessment.
More training information
Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31st August 2027.
Please note that the training provider may not be AWE. We are currently seeking clarification and will confirm the position as appropriate.
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
- Administrative skills
- Team working
- Patience
- Health and Safety Aware
Other requirements
Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.
Start Date: 1st September 2027.
Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 1st October 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.
These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.
If you choose to share information on your application form about support needs, learning differences, disabilities, health conditions or adjustments, we may contact you to understand how we can support you through the recruitment process. This information will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.
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 counterterrorism 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.
http://www.awe.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
- Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
- Reward advisor
- HR Coordinator
- HR Advisor
- HR Associate
- HR Analyst
- HR Advisor Onboarding
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
AWE PLC
Early Careers
earlycareers@awe.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000057882.
Apply now
Closes in 26 days (Sunday 8 November 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.