High Performance Computing Apprentice Review
at AWE
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Computer Science, Government, Information Technology
Reading
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
3.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a HPC apprentice at AWE, this role will combine the commitments of a level 3 qualification with on site work that is covered through multiple placements in each of the different teams of the HPC group. The end goal of this is for you to develop all the relevant skills of contributing to the maintenance and development of the organisation's supercomputing capability through hands-on experience.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
It has been enjoyable, I have felt motivated to come to work every day due to the number of interesting tasks to complete and projects to undertake on site. However, the qualification side of this apprenticeship, as it currently stands, has a fair number of issues.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
This apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to develop the skills I learnt through my time studying Computer Science at sixth form, such as programming with python and general troubleshooting, as well as gaining new skills such as a strong understanding of how to use the Linux CLI as well as bash scripting and system administration skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
This apprenticeship is relatively well structured, with the on-site placements being a well thought out set of 6 month placements which provide a clear set of expectations and skills to be developed by the end of the apprenticeship. The qualification side of the apprenticeship, as it stands, is far less structured with an awkward lecture timetable and poorly defined assignment deadlines.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a good amount of support from my line manager, mentors, and colleagues. I feel comfortable enough to discuss any issues I may have with them and I am also reassured that they will help quell these issues to the best of their ability. However, I have received little to no support from the science representative at the Skills Academy (AWE's management function for apprentices) since I was transferred over to their supervision a year into my role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
I received some support from my training provider, mainly in the form of a coach with 1:1 support sessions. However, these sessions, whilst useful, were infrequent and it was difficult to contact my coach between sessions if I needed them.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
The qualification provides you with Information Technology knowledge that is not specific to HPC. Some of the material covered will come in use during day-to-day tasks. However, the vast majority of the content will not relevant to this role at all since there is no mention of any of the skills required for the support of supercomputers.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Within the HPC group there are a fair number of social events with colleagues such as group nights out and seasonal get togethers. On top of this, apprentices are encouraged to take advantage of the travel opportunities to networking events both within the UK and abroad. In addition, there are plenty of sporting and recreational activity groups across the entire organisation that are open to everyone from any trade.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AWE to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The experience and knowledge gained through this role is incredibly valuable! Combine this with the guarantee of a position at the end of the apprenticeship, and this all makes the HPC apprentice role at AWE a very secure and solid way to start building a career in HPC.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AWE?
For an apprentice role within HPC, the hiring team are not looking for someone with a wealth of experience but rather someone who is passionate about computing and easy to get long with in a workplace setting. My advice to applicants would be to be yourself throughout all of the application process and make sure you get your passion for computing across to everyone involved in recruitment. Bringing up personal IT projects is always a good idea during the interview!
