Quality Inspector Apprenticeship - Level 3

As a Quality Inspector Apprentice, your role will include inspection of various mechanical and electrical components that are used within a production or trials environment, working to process written procedures and using your knowledge and experience to interpret requirements directly from drawings. These tasks may include the use of first principle measurements, using a variety of hand instruments, through to computer-guided purpose-made precision measurement equipment.

You will initially be based within the AWE Skills Academy for the first 18 to 24 months, where you will develop your basic knowledge and core skills, such as hand fitting, machining and measuring, before progressing on to the onsite aspect of your training. At this point you will start to apply and further develop these core skills in a live working environment. In addition to the vocational aspects of your training, AWE will further your knowledge of Quality through academic studies as you work towards the completion of a Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician apprenticeship, which includes a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technologies.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy:

• A genuine interest in the practical side of engineering or hands-on activities. For example, if you enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together, making things, fixing things or about a practical project you've done at school or home, or a club you've been involved with.
• Understanding how mechanical and electrical assemblies work
• Understanding how and why the physical properties of a product matter
• Studying how components can be assessed, measured and reported
• Applying engineering principles into real life scenarios
• A practical application to find out about the things around you
• Having a hands-on approach to problem solving

The Benefits:

• A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing to £23,500 in Year 2 and annually throughout your apprenticeship — subject to meeting key milestones and performance expectations
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement of 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off
• Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services

Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field whilst helping AWE to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions.

Recruitment process:

This vacancy closes on 11th January 2026, but applications are reviewed as they are received — so early applications are strongly encouraged. AWE’s recruitment process is designed to be fair, transparent, and straightforward, helping you perform at your best. It involves three simple stages:

Online application

Apply for one apprenticeship that best aligns with your interests and career goals. Take your time to explore the opportunities before submitting your application.

Online assessment

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete online tests covering numerical, verbal, logical, and cognitive reasoning. Practice materials will be available so you’ll know what to expect and can prepare in advance.

Virtual assessment centre

Those successful at testing will be invited to an in-person assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 5th and 6th February 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, AWE will keep all applicants informed throughout the process.