Environment & Sustainability Specialist - Year in Industry Programme 2026

Starting salary £23,500 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.

We are offering a rewarding and exciting one-year placement as an Undergraduate Environment Specialist at AWE - a role where you will make a genuine contribution to keeping the UK safe and secure.

Entry Requirements

We are interested in the following degree disciplines:

• Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Sustainability

• 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 so far by August 2026.

• You must be able to Join AWE in August 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

The role sits within the environment and sustainability team who are responsible for implementing AWE’s Environmental Management System, certified to ISO 14001(internationally agreed and recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems) and driving continuous environmental improvements across the business.

The role will provide a diverse experience and will involve undertaking environmental risk assessments to identify appropriate control measures, ensuring compliance with Environmental Permit conditions and driving environmental improvements through the delivery of AWEs Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Climate Transition Plan. This includes sustainability projects and initiatives underway.

The role offers the opportunity to work across the whole project lifecycle including; design of new facilities, large modifications of existing facilities as well as our core production and research facilities. As an Environmental Specialist you will be working alongside other environmental professionals interfacing with facility operators and project managers as part of an integrated team.

The role will help you:

• Develop understanding of AWE’s Environmental Management System and gain practical experience of implementation in operational areas, including projects and facilities.

• Gain experience of Environmental Risk Assessment and risk-based inspections in line with relevant legislation, industry standards and AWE's policies, procedures and guidance.

• Develop understanding of AWE’s approach to sustainability including plans for reducing carbon, enhancing biodiversity and embedding the principles of the circular economy.

• Gain practical experience of delivering sustainability initiatives.

• Gain experience of using sustainability assessment tools.

• Develop understanding of key pieces of environmental legislation applicable to AWE.

Benefits:

• £23,500 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

• Potential to secure a Graduate role for when you finish university, subject to availability

• 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 August 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.