CAD Technician Apprentice

About AWE

We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure.

Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

AWEs support for the governments strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UKs counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.

Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.

About the role

A CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design) provides support within Mechanical Engineering Design. You will produce and deliver conceptual designs via 3D modelling and fully engineered 2D drawings for manufacture to defined requirements and company standards using Siemens NX CAD Software.

The first part of your training will be spent at the Skills Academy within the workshop, learning basic hand-fitting skills, milling and turning. This part of the training is essential if you want to be a CAD Technician as you will learn how things are made, how they fit together, gain knowledge of material selection and understand the importance of tolerance. You will also be required to attend a local college on day release.

Once youve met the required workshop learning, you will undertake focussed professional placements in Design Offices across the business, where you will gain knowledge of the challenges we face, engage in problem solving, and safety requirements.

About You

• A practical aptitude for engineering & technology
• Computer literacy
• Excellent team working skills
• Good communication skills
• Awareness of health & safety
• Ability to follow instructions
• Passionate and motivated

If you have an interest in Mechanical Engineering, 3D modelling/2D technical drawing, designcommunication and/or problem solving, then we would love to hear from you!

Entry Requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English AND a 5/B in Science
• Applicants must be aged 16 or over, as of 31st August 2025 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.

The Benefits

• A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing annually throughout your apprenticeship
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement of 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off
• Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services?

Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field whilst helping us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions.

Location Aldermaston (Reading / Basingstoke area)

Start Date Wednesday the 27th of August 2025.

Annual leave will not be granted from 27th August until 3rd October, due to mandatory inductions and the requirement for you 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.

Duration - 3-4 years (varies depending on personal performance)

Recruitment Process

We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

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.

Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.

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