Mechanical Design Engineering – Level 6 Apprenticeship
AWE · On-Site
Create safe and effective mechanical engineering solutions. You’ll combine degree study, placements and practical experience to solve technical challenges, develop and check designs, and support the through-life management of critical systems.
Security clearance
Applicants must be British Nationals and aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027, and able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
Working pattern
Onsite at AWE Aldermaston and/or Burghfield, with every other Friday off.
Key dates
Applications close: 1 November 2026 | Assessment centre: 23 February 2027 | Start date: 1 September 2027
Why being onsite will support your development
This is an onsite engineering apprenticeship. Being onsite will help you learn from experienced engineers, contribute to real projects, use technical drawings and design tools, and understand how mechanical engineering decisions support safe and reliable systems.
What happens after you apply
1. Online application - Submit one apprenticeship application before the role closes.
2. Online testing - If eligible, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available.
3. Assessment centre - Successful candidates will be invited to an in-person assessment centre, currently scheduled for 23 February 2027.
4. Offer, medical and clearance - If successful, you’ll move into the offer, medical and security-clearance stages ahead of joining on 1 September 2027.
Perks & benefits
Skills required
Mechanical interest: You enjoy understanding how machines, parts and mechanical systems work.
Problem-solving: You can use maths, logic and creativity to develop practical solutions.
Attention to detail: You can interpret technical information and understand why checking and standards matter.
Communication: You can explain ideas clearly, ask questions and work effectively with technical teams.
Qualifications required
3 A Levels at grade C or above including Maths and Physics, or a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, plus 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths, English and a science, technology or engineering-related subject.
Training you'll get
This is an onsite engineering apprenticeship. Being onsite will help you learn from experienced engineers, contribute to real projects, use technical drawings and design tools, and understand how mechanical engineering decisions support safe and reliable systems.
Future prospects
After successfully completing your apprenticeship, your first role may be as a Mechanical Design Engineer, with longer-term routes into teams such as Product Design or Hydrodynamic Trials.
The essentials
Hours, commitment and the dates that matter.
Training provider
Delivers the training for this role and manages your application.
