Metrology Technician Apprenticeship - Level 3

A Level 3 Advanced Metrology Technician Apprenticeship at AWE offers the first step on a career pathway toward becoming a Principal Quality Engineer.

This 3-year apprenticeship comprises approximately 20% study and 80% workplace activity. Metrology is a vital discipline that focuses on improving and verifying the quality of products and components. It encompasses all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement. Apprentices apply an understanding of core measurement principles and practices within production or trials environments. They identify measurement needs, plan and perform measurement tasks using a range of tools, equipment, instrumentation, and software programmes.

Workplace activities include a combination of placements within AWE’s Skills Academy and onsite rotations. Apprentices develop their foundational knowledge and core skills in the Skills Academy during the first year, before progressing through placements across AWE to apply their training in real-world settings.

In addition to vocational training, apprentices further their metrology knowledge through academic studies at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in London. This includes studying towards the Level 3 Metrology Technician apprenticeship, which upon successful completion, provides eligibility for professional registration as a Registered Engineering Technician (EngTech) or Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).

This opportunity may appeal to individuals who enjoy:

• Taking an analytical or mathematical approach to problem solving
• Working with data — retrieving, analysing, interpreting, validating, and recording
• Making a difference by checking product quality
• Performing practical tasks by following procedures
• Being self-motivated and inquisitive
• Learning programming skills across different software platforms

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 11th January 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. AWE's Assessment Centres are scheduled for 23rd February 2026 and 2nd March 2026. Please note that these dates may be subject to change, but rest assured, AWE will keep all applicants informed throughout the process.