The honest guide to becoming an engineer in the UK

Newsletter
BorntoEngineer
Get the weekly newsletter

Apprenticeship schemeAWE

AWE apprenticeships (Level 3 to Level 6, nuclear defence)

AWE offers apprenticeships from Level 3 (Advanced) to Level 6 (Degree) supporting the UK's nuclear defence and security mission, including five engineering pathways at Level 3. Apprentices earn a salary from day one while studying for industry-recognised qualifications. Applications are currently open, and all offers go through UK security clearance.

By the Born to Engineer editorial team Checked

At a glance

Run by
AWE[1]
Who it’s for
Must be a British citizen. Qualifications vary by apprenticeship level and programme; apply for one apprenticeship only.[2]
Entry
Students apply themselves
Worth
A paid apprenticeship with hands-on experience in advanced nuclear defence facilities, mentoring and industry-recognised qualifications with no student debt.[3]
Cost
Not stated
Year groups
Year 11, Year 12, Year 13
Where
England (AWE sites (England), depending on programme)
Format
In person

Sources

5 sources

  1. AWE

    Apprenticeships-AWE

    we’ve got a path for you, from Level 3 (Advanced) to Level 6 (Degree) apprenticeships

    Checked 24 October 2026

  2. AWE

    Apprentice FAQs-AWE

    To apply for any role at AWE, including apprenticeships, you must be a

    Checked 24 October 2026

  3. AWE

    Apprenticeships-AWE

    At AWE, you’ll earn a competitive salary from day one.

    Checked 24 October 2026

  4. AWE

    Apprenticeships-AWE

    Applications are now open!

    Checked 24 October 2026

  5. AWE

    Apprentice FAQs-AWE

    Applications are now currently open.

    Checked 24 October 2026

Details checked by the Born to Engineer editorial team. Always confirm dates on the provider’s site before applying.

Open now

Applications currently open (no closing date published on AWE's site)[4][5]

Apply on awe.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

More apprenticeship scheme opportunities

All opportunities

Ferguson Marine Apprenticeship 2027 intake (Port Glasgow)

Closes in 13 days

Apprenticeship schemeFerguson Marine

Twelve paid apprenticeships at the Port Glasgow shipyard, starting January 2027, studying towards a nationally recognised qualification through West College Scotland. Roles listed are welders and fabricators. No previous shipbuilding experience is needed.

Worth
A paid apprenticeship with a nationally recognised qualification through West College Scotland.
Who
Applicants aged 16 to 24 with, or expecting by January 2027, National 4 Maths at B, and National 5 English and a Science or Technical subject at B.
Entry
Students apply themselves
Deadline
Applications opened 2 October 2026 and close on Friday 6 November 2026.

Visit fergusonmarine.com (opens in a new tab)Details: Ferguson Marine Apprenticeship 2027 intake (Port Glasgow)

Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship (Scotland, S5 and S6)

Open now

Apprenticeship schemeSkills Development Scotland (Apprenticeships.scot)

The Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship lets Scottish pupils study alongside their school subjects while working on projects with an employer and a learning provider such as a college. It takes 1 or 2 years starting in S5 or S6, with a work placement of about one day a week, and gives an SCQF Level 6 qualification equal to an SQA Higher. Pupils use the search tool on the site to check availability at their school and register interest.

Worth
An industry-recognised qualification at SCQF Level 6 (the same level as an SQA Higher), made up of a National Certificate in an engineering discipline, core units of an SVQ in Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5 and work placement experience or an industry challenge.
Who
Pupils staying on at school, starting in S5 or S6. Availability depends on your school.
Entry
Students or a school can enter
When
Register interest through your school; no fixed deadline published

Visit apprenticeships.scot (opens in a new tab)Details: Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship (Scotland, S5 and S6)

Leonardo UK apprenticeships 2027 (Level 2 to Level 6)

Open now

Apprenticeship schemeLeonardo UK

Leonardo UK runs 2027 apprenticeships in engineering, manufacturing, business and cyber at sites in Scotland and England, from Level 2 and Level 3 craft and technical roles to Level 6 degree apprenticeships. Entrants are typically school and college leavers and train for 2 to 5 years depending on the scheme. Roles are screened first come first served and close when filled.

Worth
A 2 to 5 year paid apprenticeship with intensive training in your specialism, with routes up to Level 6 degree apprenticeships.
Who
Typically school and college leavers. Applicants must be eligible for UK Security Clearance, normally to Security Check level, which includes a minimum of 5 years' permanent residency in the UK.
Entry
Students apply themselves
When
Open for 2027 programmes; roles close when filled (no fixed closing date published)

Visit careers.uk.leonardo.com (opens in a new tab)Details: Leonardo UK apprenticeships 2027 (Level 2 to Level 6)