We’re AWE, and we’re not your average workplace. Our team of visionaries are on a mission to safeguard the nation and shape the future with cutting-edge innovation. From delivering the UK’s next nuclear warhead to pioneering technologies that keep the world safe, our work is as impactful as it is exciting.
We’re thrilled to introduce an opportunity like no other—our Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme. This is your chance to elevate your university journey with a scholarship program designed to set you up for success.
Here’s the deal
- Full tuition fee coverage (up to £9,250/year).
- A yearly bursary (up to £5,000) to ease cost of living pressures.
- Paid summer placements—earn hands-on experience AND £23,500 pro rata.
- Exclusive career prospects—fast-track your application to a permanent graduate role with AWE.
At AWE, we understand the challenges students face, so we’re here to give you the support you need to succeed academically and professionally.
What to expect? No Ordinary Scholarship.
Get ready to dive into immersive, hands-on placements that redefine learning as part of a 9 week Summer Placement. Forget the typical desk-job internships—our program is dynamic, interactive, and anything but predictable.
If successful, you can partake in a 9 week Summer Placement, where you’ll explore:
- How AWE fuels the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD).
- The engineering magic behind nuclear warheads.
- Building design, manufacturing processes, and cutting-edge facilities.
- The lifecycle of nuclear technologies and reducing nuclear threats.
Every day brings new challenges, opportunities to learn, and ways to leave your mark.
About you
We’re looking for students who dream big and think bigger. If you’re studying an engineering discipline (recognized by the Engineering Council), you’re already on our radar.
However, due to current business demands, we are especially keen to hear from students studying in the following degree areas:
- Electrical/Electronic
- Civil
- Manufacturing
- Systems
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Design & Construction Management
Important:
Applicants must be UK nationals with a UK passport (minimum 10 years living in the UK) and able to obtain security clearance.
What’s next?
Applying is easy—whether you’re in your 1st, 2nd year of university or you are due to start this autumn, this opportunity is open to you.
If you are a final year student, please register your details for our Evolve programme here .
Here’s the journey:
- Submit your application and complete online tests (with practice tests provided).
- Complete a final stage interview. (Interviews are predicted to be held virtually from the 9th of June)
Next steps
Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.
Important things you need to know
- We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
- You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
- We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
- Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
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 will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.
If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.
