Year in Industry Placement Production 2027

Year in Industry Placement - Production

Salary

£24,500 per annum plus benefits

Location

Aldermaston, near Reading, with opportunities to visit Burghfield; Office and operational facility based

Contract

12-month placement

Start date

August 2027

Working pattern

Full time, 9-day working fortnight

About AWE

We are a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. Our work supports the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent and extends into vital areas including counter-terrorism, global nuclear test monitoring and the development of world-class nuclear science expertise.

At AWE, you will find purpose, growth and the opportunity to learn from experienced specialists while contributing to work that protects lives and strengthens national security.

This 12-month placement sits within AWE’s Operations Delivery Group. Operations translates demand from customer programmes into the products and services needed to support the Defence Nuclear Organisation and maintain national security.

As an Undergraduate Production Trainee, you will learn how a technically advanced production environment operates safely, securely and effectively. You will support the teams responsible for manufacturing components and assembling products, while developing your understanding of production processes, planning, workforce capability, safety, quality and regulatory compliance.

Role

The Operations Delivery Group provides trained and competent people to carry out manufacturing and assembly activities. The group works with engineering, quality, environment, safety and health, facilities and other stakeholders to deliver materials, testing, services and programme requirements in line with authorised processes, licence conditions and local instructions.

Following the appropriate training and authorisation, the placement may include working within operational facilities where nuclear or explosive materials are present. All activities will be undertaken within defined safety, security, competency and supervisory arrangements.

Key activities and responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of how a production facility operates, including production processes, planning, safety, training, competency and regulatory requirements.
• Support operational scheduling and help identify risks, constraints and opportunities that could affect delivery.
• Work with stakeholders across engineering, quality, environment, safety and health, facilities and other business areas to enable delivery.
• Contribute to local accountability and visual-management boards by helping maintain clear, accurate and timely information.
• Support visible operational management and help create the conditions for high levels of performance, engagement and delivery.
• Build an understanding of workforce capability and competency requirements across the operations team.
• Support the line management and coordination of operators embedded within functional areas, under appropriate supervision.
• Support the Operations Personal Development Group process and learn how operational employees are developed and supported.
• Promote a diverse and inclusive working environment in which people can contribute and develop.
• Comply with authorised processes, regulations, policies and local work instructions, while maintaining high standards of safety and security.

Learning and development

• Learn from experts: Work alongside experienced production, engineering, safety, quality and facility specialists from day one.
• Operational experience: Gain practical insight into production planning, manufacturing delivery, workforce capability and regulated operations.
• Leadership development: Build self-awareness, team awareness and an understanding of how visible leadership supports performance.
• Continual support: Receive support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy throughout the placement.
• Build your network: Connect with the wider Early Careers community, employee resource groups and colleagues across AWE.
• Future pathways: Explore technical and leadership careers in production, including opportunities such as Process Specialist and Delivery Manager, with potential progression into senior delivery roles.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from candidates studying an engineering or science-based degree.

• You must be on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 in your degree by August 2027.
• You must be graduating in either 2029 or 2030 and completing a placement year as part of your degree.
• You must be available to join AWE in August 2027.
• You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role.

Behaviours and qualities

• Curious: You enjoy understanding how complex production environments work and are comfortable asking questions.
• Safety and security focused: You understand the importance of following authorised processes, regulations and local instructions.
• Collaborative: You can build constructive working relationships across operations, engineering, quality, safety and facilities.
• Organised: You can manage information, prioritise activities and contribute to clear operational planning.
• Dependable: You take responsibility for your work, keep your promises and act with integrity.
• Resilient: You can adapt, learn from feedback and remain focused when priorities or operational needs change.
• Inclusive: You value different perspectives and help create an environment where others can contribute and develop.
• Leadership potential: You are willing to take initiative, communicate clearly and motivate others through a positive example.

Salary and benefits

• £24,500 salary.
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A full-time, 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme.
• Savings across retail, hospitality and leisure.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• A vibrant Early Careers community with opportunities to join events and activities.
• Potential to secure a Graduate role after university, subject to performance, business need and available opportunities.

Recruitment process and key dates

• Online application: Applications open on 14 September 2026.
• Online assessment: If eligible, complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available.
• Virtual assessment centre: Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected to run during November and December 2026.
• Pre-assessment support: Attend guidance webinars so you know what to expect and can prepare.
• Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will move into the offer and security-clearance stages before joining in August 2027.

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.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.