Sustainability Advisor – Year in Industry Placement

Why this role matters

Help embed sustainability into the way AWE plans, delivers and operates its programmes, projects and facilities. You will support work that strengthens climate resilience, reduces carbon emissions, enhances biodiversity, improves resource efficiency and creates positive social value.

Bring your perspective

Sustainability benefits from different experiences, ideas and ways of thinking. You do not need to arrive with every answer. We value curiosity, collaboration and the confidence to ask thoughtful questions. We particularly welcome women and others who are underrepresented in environmental and technical careers.

At a glance

• Entry requirement: Sustainability, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Geography or a related discipline. You must be on track to achieve a minimum 2:2, or equivalent academic performance, by August 2027.
• Security clearance: You must be a UK national, hold a UK passport, have lived in the UK for the past 10 years and be willing and able to obtain and maintain DV security clearance.
• Working pattern: A 9-day working fortnight, with every second Friday off. This is an onsite role at Aldermaston, near Reading, with a 9-day working fortnight and every other Friday off.
• Key date
  • Applications Close: 31 October 2026
  • Start date: 2 August 2027.
• Recruitment is rolling and the vacancy will close once positions are filled.

What you could work on

• Sustainability strategy: Support delivery of AWE’s Sustainability Strategy and Climate Transition Plan.
• Sustainable projects: Help project and operational teams embed sustainability into planning, decision-making and delivery.
• Climate and nature: Contribute to initiatives that support climate resilience, carbon reduction and biodiversity.
• Performance reporting: Help measure, monitor and report sustainability performance and key indicators.
• Social value: Identify opportunities to create positive outcomes for people, communities and the wider environment.
• Environmental management: Gain experience of environmental risk assessment and AWE’s ISO 14001-certified Environmental Management System.
• Compliance and assurance: Build knowledge of legislation, permitting, regulatory requirements and governance frameworks.

Why being onsite will support your development

Being onsite will help you see how sustainability is applied across operational facilities and major projects. You will work directly with sustainability professionals, project teams, facility operators and technical specialists, giving you practical insight and regular access to expert support.

The key skills we're looking for

• Curiosity: You want to understand how environmental, social and operational considerations connect.
• Collaboration: You listen to others, build relationships and value different perspectives.
• Analytical thinking: You can work with evidence, identify patterns and support balanced decisions.
• Communication: You can explain ideas clearly and adapt your approach for different audiences.
• Growth mindset: You are open to feedback and motivated to build confidence and knowledge.
• Purpose: You want to contribute to outcomes that create long-term value for people and the environment.

Where this placement could take you

You will build practical experience across sustainability strategy, environmental management, carbon, climate resilience, biodiversity, resource efficiency, social value, reporting and compliance. These skills can support careers in sustainability, environmental management, ESG, climate, responsible business, project sustainability and assurance.

What you will get

• £24,500 salary.
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme.
• Savings across retail, hospitality and leisure.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Support from experienced professionals and opportunities to build your Early Careers network.
• Potential to secure a Graduate role after university, subject to availability and selection.

What happens after you apply

1. Online application Submit your application as soon as possible.
2. Online testing If eligible, you’ll complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments, with practice materials available.
3. Virtual assessment centre Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected between October 2026 and January 2027.
4. Pre-assessment support You’ll be invited to a webinar with practical guidance on what to expect.
5. Offer and clearance If successful, you’ll move into the offer and security-clearance stages ahead of joining on 2 August 2027.

Apply early: applications close on 31st October 2026, but we recruit on a rolling basis and will close once we receive enough applications. Submit yours as soon as possible.

Reasonable adjustments

We want you to feel confident and informed throughout the application process. We encourage diverse applicants and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments. Any inclusion information you provide will be used only to support you through the process and held for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.

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.