Electronic Design Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree)

Location: Reading area, United Kingdom

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.

Job title and apprenticeship level: Electronic Design Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree)

About AWE

We’re a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies.

Our work is critical. We’re delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that’s just part of the story.

We support the UK government in a range of vital areas – from counterterrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security.

At AWE, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique.

Be extraordinary at AWE.

About the apprenticeship

As an Electronic Design Apprentice, you will start by learning the basics of electronics through practical projects. You will then spend time in different teams across the business, building your skills and understanding how electronics are used at AWE. Alongside this, you will attend college part-time to work towards a Higher National Diploma (HND). After completing your HND, you will move into the final two years of your apprenticeship, where you will complete further placements and work towards your Apprenticeship End Point Assessment, which is the final stage of your degree apprenticeship.

Through a mix of college learning, planned placements and hands-on experience at work, you will develop skills in:

Basic electronic theory

Recognising and understanding different electronic components

Circuit design

Circuit construction

Semiconductor theory

Finding and fixing faults in electronic circuits

Recording and explaining your work clearly

Test and measurements

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship

On completion, you will be ready to join one of our engineering teams as an Electronic Design Engineer. Depending on the business need and the experience you develop, your career could include:

Analogue Electronic Engineer – designing and supporting electronic circuits that control power supplies and other equipment.

Firmware Engineer or Digital Electronic Engineer – creating the instructions and digital designs that help electronic systems work, using specialist languages such as VHDL or SystemVerilog.

Pulsed Power Engineer – working with high-voltage power systems, energy storage and switching equipment.

RF Electronic Engineer – working with radio-frequency systems, including equipment that sends and receives signals.

Embedded Software Engineer – writing software that is built into electronic devices and systems, using programming languages such as C++ or Java.

Electronic Systems Engineer – helping to define what a system needs to do, how it should be designed, and how to check that it works correctly.

Apprenticeship Standard

ST0151

About You

We’re looking for enthusiastic people who are interested in electronics and keen to learn. If you enjoy solving problems, working with technology and understanding how things work, this could be a great opportunity for you.

A practical interest in engineering and technology

Confidence using computers and learning new software

Excellent teamwork and communication skills

A good awareness of health and safety

The ability to follow instructions accurately

A positive, motivated attitude and a passion for learning

This apprenticeship includes a lot of maths, so you will need to feel confident with mathematical principles and be willing to keep developing these skills.

If you have an interest in Arduino or Raspberry Pi, analogue and digital electronics, or you enjoy designing, building, testing and repairing electronic circuits, we would love to hear from you.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

Analogue and digital electronics

Designing, building, testing, and repairing electronic circuits

Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects

Solving practical problems and turning your curiosity about electronics into a career

Entry Requirements

An A level in Maths and another STEM (Physics, ICT, Computing, Electronics) based subject, Grade C or above, or equivalent BTEC level 3 /HNC/HND/T level in relevant discipline

5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English

Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

The Benefits

A starting salary of £24,500 yearly, increasing to £26,000 in Year 2, with further annual salary increases throughout your apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory performance and achievement of apprenticeship milestones.

Market leading contributory pension scheme

Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays, plus every other Friday off as part of AWE’s flexible working pattern.

Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure

Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services

Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism.

Location

Reading area: AWE Aldermaston and/or AWE Burghfield sites, depending on your apprenticeship pathway, placements and business