Operations Graduate Programme 2026

Operations - Graduate Programme 2026

Our two-year Evolve programme offers you an exciting opportunity to join our operations career pathway. We’re looking for amazing graduates and aspiring future leaders to join us and shape the future of AWE …Is that person you?

Entry Requirements

• You will be recently qualified in one of the following degrees – Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply chain, Analytics / Mathematical
• Before starting with the business, you will need to be able to provide evidence that you have attained a minimum of a 2:2 in your degree by September 2026.
• You must be able to Join AWE in September 2026. We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, we will close.

What to Expect on the Programme

Ignite Your Career in Operations – Where Strategy Meets Delivery

Step into the heart of one of the UK’s most critical and technically advanced organisations. Our Operations Graduate Programme is more than a rotation – it’s your opportunity to build a career where you’ll help shape the future of Production Delivery.

This is your chance to see the entire lifecycle of operations, from raw materials to finished products. You’ll experience the precision of nuclear materials management and the importance of regulations and policies, the pace of logistics optimising processes and reducing waste, the discipline of pro-duction planning, and the innovation of operational transformation – all while learning how health, safety, and regulation sit at the heart of everything we do.

We’ll immerse you in projects that matter – delivery in manufacturing areas, coordinating resources, streamlining supply chains, accountancy and control and supporting effective future transition of operations from existing to new facilities. With increasing focus on automation, sustainability and global supply networks, you’ll be in a fast-moving environment where stakeholder engagement is key.

Your Two-Year Development Journey

This structured programme includes a series of placements designed to accelerate your learning and develop the critical skillsets essential for future leadership in Operations. Over the course of two years, we’ll support your growth with targeted training in leadership, business, and behavioural skills - preparing you to take on a promoted role at the end of the scheme.

A World of Opportunities - Tailored for You

You’ll rotate across our key Operations functions – Production, Nuclear Materials Management, Logistics, Operations Planning, and Operations Excellence & Readiness – gaining unrivalled insight into how these unique operations are led and sustained.

Across every placement you’ll work with colleagues from the front line to the Senior Leadership Team, building networks and shaping how Operations delivers now and in the future. You’ll gain skills, insight and experience to become part of the Operations team– someone who understands production delivery, can see the big picture and drive continuous improvement.

Step into a world where your ideas matter and your ambition takes flight. Start your journey in national security with AWE—apply now and shape the future.

Benefits:

• £31,000 starting salary
• Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays
• Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene
• 9-day working fortnight - so every other Friday off
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
• A welcome payment
• An option of an interest free loan of £1,000 as well as regular Graduate pay reviews
• A structured and supported career progression
• Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to our Occupational Health Services

Application Process:

Our process is designed to be simple, fair and transparent:

1. Online Application – Opens 15th September. Explore the option and apply for one pathway that best suits your interests and goals.
2. Online Tests – If shortlisted, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive assessments. Practice materials will be available to ensure you know what to expect.
3. Virtual Assessment Centre – Successful candidates will be invited to virtual AC’s running Nov–Dec 2025, with pre-assessment webinars to guide you.

You must be a British National, able to start in September 2026, and eligible for security clearance. Applications close on Friday 24th October, but will close earlier if we receive enough applications, so apply early.

Support & Inclusion:

We welcome diverse applicants and strive to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. We encourage requests for reasonable adjustments if required, to ensure you feel able to perform your best. Any information you share will be used only to support you through the process in line with GDPR.

Why AWE?:

• Build leadership skills, self-awareness, and teamwork.
• Join a vibrant early careers community with events, ERGs and networking opportunities.
• Benefit from continual support: a line manager, pathway lead, and ‘buddy’ to guide your journey.

Who We’re Looking For:

Curious, problem-solvers with integrity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset. You’ll thrive if you’re eager to grow and ready to apply your skills to real-world challenges.

Contact Us:

For questions, email the Early Careers Team: EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.