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.
Graduate Trainee - Operations
Programme
Evolve Graduate Programme
Salary
£31,000 plus benefits
Location
Aldermaston, near Reading, Berkshire - onsite
Duration
Two years
Start date
September 2027
Working pattern
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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise.
Programme purpose
Experience how strategy becomes safe, efficient operational delivery across manufacturing, materials, logistics, planning and transformation.
The programme combines meaningful responsibility with structured development, practical experience and support from experienced colleagues, helping you build career capability over two years.
Key activities and responsibilities
Rotate across Production, Nuclear Materials Management, Logistics, Operations Planning and Operations Excellence and Readiness.
Understand the lifecycle from raw materials through to finished products.
Support manufacturing delivery, resources, supply chains and operational transition.
Contribute to process improvement, waste reduction, automation and sustainability.
Work with colleagues from frontline teams through to senior leaders.
Learning and development
Production delivery and regulated operations.
Nuclear materials management, logistics and supply-chain processes.
Operational planning, performance and continuous improvement.
How safety, regulation and policy shape operational decisions.
Leadership, business and behavioural skills for future Operations roles.
Behaviours and qualities
Curious: Asks questions, seeks understanding and explores new ideas.
Collaborative: Builds relationships and works effectively across teams.
Analytical: Uses evidence and structured thinking to solve problems.
Adaptable: Responds positively to challenge, change and feedback.
Professional: Acts with integrity, accountability and respect.
Safety and security focused: Understands the importance of following requirements in a classified environment.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:2 in an eligible science, engineering, mathematics, computing, project, business, economics, finance, analytics, logistics, operations or supply-chain discipline.
You must be able to join AWE in September 2027.
You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.
Salary and benefits
£31,000 starting salary.
270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme and access to employee discounts.
A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression.
Support from a dedicated line manager, Evolve pathway lead and buddy.
Support and community
A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead.
A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort.
A vibrant Early Careers community and opportunities to join employee networks.
Structured development, mentoring and access to relevant professional learning.
Recruitment process and key dates
Online application: Applications open on 2 November 2026. Apply for the pathway that best matches your interests and goals.
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 December 2026 and January 2027.
Pre-assessment support: Attend guidance webinars so you know what to expect and…