High Performance Computing Level 3 Apprenticeship

High Performance Computing Level 3 Apprenticeship

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.

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.

1. Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.
2. 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.
3. Virtual assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to a virtual assessment centre. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 11th and 16th February 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.

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 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.

Contact us:

If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team at 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.