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 - Utilities Engineering
Programme
Evolve Graduate Programme
Salary
£31,000 plus benefits
Location
Aldermaston, 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
Support the critical infrastructure and utilities networks that enable AWE's operations, applying engineering knowledge to live assets, plant and improvement projects.
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
Support engineering design activities, technical assessments and design reviews.
Contribute to engineering calculations, asset management and reliability improvement.
Support configuration control, change management, commissioning and maintenance.
Help investigate technical issues and improve utilities infrastructure and plant performance.
Work with operational teams, design authorities, project teams and technical specialists.
Learning and development
Utilities networks and associated plant equipment.
Engineering design, asset management and reliability engineering.
Configuration control, commissioning and technical problem-solving.
How engineering supports a complex, highly regulated operational environment.
Professional practice and progress towards registration with an engineering institution.
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 Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related engineering 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 can prepare.
Offer…