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High Performance Computing Level 3 Apprenticeship

AWE • Reading, England, United Kingdom • £31.10k - £66.61k / year • 22h ago

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

High Performance Computing 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:

Working as part of the High-Performance Computing (HPC) Group to provide system administration support for AWE’s HPC supercomputers, you will be part of a team that is managing some of the most powerful supercomputers in the UK and supporting computational services that are essential to AWE’s scientific and engineering programmes.

As a High Performance Computing (HPC) Apprentice, you will spend the first few weeks of your apprenticeship within AWE’s Skills Academy; before moving out into different placements within the HPC group.

During these placements, you will learn a range of skills, including:

Linux operating system administration (installation, configuration and management)

Linux shell scripting

Computer hardware (building/repairing)

Networking

File system management

Computer security concepts

System monitoring and fault diagnosis

Customer interaction and problem investigation

Training is primarily in-house but may also include technical training courses.

Opportunities when you complete your apprenticeship

Previous apprentices have successfully out turned into HPC roles that include: System Administrator, Network Administrator and Software Developer.

Apprenticeship Standard

Information Communications Technician (ST0973).

Training Provider

ESTIO

About you

Good candidates will:

Have a strong interest in computing (hardware and software)

Have good problem-solving skills

Have good communication skills

Be able to work independently, as well as part of a team

Be flexible, self-motivated and have the ability to handle multiple tasks

Be prepared to attend HPC conferences in the UK and overseas

This role may appeal to you if you enjoy

This role will suit candidates who:

Have a fascination with computing

Have a curiosity for new technology

Have an interest in science and engineering

Have a passion for problem-solving

Enjoy working collaboratively with others

Entry Requirements:

5 GCSE’s at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English

Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2026 due to security clearance requirements

You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.

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 us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions.

Location:

Aldermaston/Reading area

Start Date: Tuesday 1st September 2026

Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 2nd October 2026 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.

Duration:

18 months + End Point Assessment

Recruitment Process

This vacancy will close on 7th December 2025, 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 23rd and 26th January 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.

We encourage diverse applicants and we're here to support you all the way. We encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments on your application. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR. Learn about how we handle

your data.

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

Next steps:

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.

Important things you need to know:

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.