Precision Machining Apprenticeship - Level 3

Precision machining is the manufacturing of components on various machines. During the first part of your training as a Precision Machining Apprentice at AWE (Years 1 & 2), you will learn basic machining and hand-fitting skills through a series of supervised machining tasks, during which you will manufacture a number of useful engineering tools.

You will attend a variety of lectures through college day release, providing you with the knowledge and understanding of the tools and techniques you will be using. This will also give you valuable insight into the materials, manufacturing equipment, and processes that you will follow throughout your career.

Apprentices work on a variety of machines within AWE’s academy, including:

• Manual centre lathes
• Manual vertical and horizontal milling machines
• Surface grinders
• Pillar drills
• Computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathes and CNC milling machines

In the second part of your training (Years 3 & 4), during on-site rotational placements, you will undertake a series of more advanced machining tasks. These are designed to prepare and expose you to the full spectrum of AWE’s plant, including CNC milling and turning machines, as well as the facilities you will work in.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will work towards gathering a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) against your Apprenticeship Standard. Within the final six months of your apprenticeship, you will complete the End Point Assessment.

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy the challenge of manufacturing components that meet the specifications detailed on engineering drawings. You will need good hand-eye coordination and strong workshop maths skills. The machinist role is very much hands-on and will require you to operate your own machines to manufacture parts that fit together with components produced by other team members.

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 will close on 22nd February 2026, but AWE will review applications as they come in — so they strongly encourage you to apply early. AWE want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So they've kept it simple with a three-step process:

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 23rd January 2026, 5th February 2026, 2nd and 20th March 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, all applicants will be informed throughout the process.