HR Apprenticeship (Level 3 – Advanced)

HR Apprenticeship (Level 3 – Advanced)

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 counter-terrorism 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

People, Culture and Communication is a function in AWE that directly provides services and support to our Workforce, enabling people to carry out their jobs effectively and make the most of their time at AWE.  This includes helping people join the organisation, supporting their development, answering HR queries, recognising achievements, and helping managers and employees when workplace issues need to be resolved. On the Human Resources (HR) Apprenticeship, you will gain skills and knowledge in several areas of the People, Culture and Communication function by spending time in different teams. This will help you understand how HR supports both employees and the wider business.

Your placements may include:

• Case management — supporting with employee relations processes such as investigations, absence management and disciplinary matters.

• Reward and recognition — supporting processes linked to pay, benefits and recognising employee achievements.

• Recruitment — helping with internal and external recruitment activity at AWE.

• HR Business Partners — seeing how HR works with different areas of the business to support people, teams and business priorities.

• Learning and Development — supporting training and development opportunities for AWE employees.

• HR Help Desk — helping respond to general HR questions and making sure queries reach the right team.

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship

• Reward Advisor

• HR Coordinator

• HR Advisor

• HR Associate

• HR Analyst

• HR Advisor Onboarding

Apprenticeship Standard

ST0239.

About you

• PC literate

• Good communication skills

• Excellent team working skills

• Health and safety aware

• Effective at following instructions

• Ability to concentrate for long periods

• Passion for your chosen profession

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

• Working as part of a large team to support a common goal

• Helping others

• Working in an office environment

• Planning and being organised

• Understanding how a business works and how HR supports people and teams.

Entry Requirements

• 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 £16,750 yearly, increasing to £24,500 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:

Green Park, Reading.  You will usually be expected to work on-site three days a week during your apprenticeship. This gives you the opportunity to learn directly from experienced colleagues, access support and build valuable connections across the business. Your working arrangements may vary depending on business, training and placement requirements.

Start Date: 1st September 2027

Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 1st October due to mandatory inductions you are required to complete as part of your apprenticeship. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.

Apprenticeship Duration:

18 months plus End Point Assessment

Recruitment Process

This vacancy will close on 8th November 2026, but we review applications as they come in—so we strongly encourage you to apply early.

We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we've kept it simple with a three-step process.

• Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.

• Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Don't be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect.

• In person assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to an in-person assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 10th December 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, we’ll keep all applicants informed throughout the process.

These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.

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.

If you choose to share information on your application form about support needs, learning differences, disabilities, health conditions or adjustments, we may contact you to understand how we can support you through the recruitment process. This information will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.

Contact us

If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk

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.

• 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.