Nuclear Services - Evolve Graduate Programme 2027

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Why this role matters

Join Nuclear Services, an essential function that delivers Health Physics, waste and specialist operational services across AWE. You will support work that manages radioactive and controlled waste, protects people and the environment from ionising-radiation and contamination hazards, and helps maintain an effective emergency response capability.

A specialist career with real-world impact

This is a hands-on, operational opportunity in a field where skills are in high demand. You will see how technical decisions are applied in practice and learn from specialists working on current waste, radiation-protection and environmental challenges.

At a glance

Salary £31,000 starting salary plus benefits.

Location AWE sites in the Reading area, Berkshire - onsite

Programme Two-year Evolve Graduate Programme.

Start date September 2027.

Entry requirement Minimum 2:2 in a science- or environment-based degree, such as Environmental Science, Geoscience, Geography or Sustainability.

Security You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.

What opportunities will you have?

• Waste improvement: Support projects that improve the management of radioactive, controlled and hazardous waste.

• Training and awareness: Help develop and deliver training programmes and awareness campaigns.

• Documentation: Review and update waste-management, customer-communication, health, safety and environmental documentation.

• Inspection and assurance: Support health, safety and environmental inspections and continual improvement.

• Operational services: Work alongside teams providing Health Physics, waste processing, emergency response and specialist operational support.

What you will learn

• How radioactive and controlled wastes are managed operationally and technically.

• How ionising-radiation and environmental controls are applied in operational settings.

• The operational application of the Ionising Radiations Regulations and Environmental Permitting Regulations.

• How to work in a service environment against targets, timelines and budgets.

• Problem-solving, negotiation, data interpretation, stakeholder communication and influencing.

• How change management and sustainability principles support better waste outcomes.

The behaviours and qualities we're looking for

• Proactive: You take ownership, look for improvements and follow through on commitments.

• Communicative: You can explain information clearly in writing and conversation and influence constructively.

• Detail focused: You understand why accurate records and careful working matter.

• Customer focused: You want to provide a reliable, practical service to operational customers.

• Organised: You can manage competing enquiries, priorities and stakeholders.

• Numerate: You are comfortable handling and interpreting data.

What you will get

• £31,000 starting salary.

• A market-leading contributory pension scheme.

• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.

• A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.

• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts.

• A welcome payment and the option of an interest-free £1,000 loan.

• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.

• Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression.

Recruitment process and key dates

• Online application: Applications open on 2 November 2026. Apply for the pathway that best matches your interests and goals.

• Online assessment: If eligible, complete numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning assessments. Practice materials will be available.

• Virtual assessment centre: Successful candidates will be invited to a virtual assessment centre, expected to run during December 2026 and January 2027.

• Pre-assessment support: Attend guidance webinars so you know what to expect and can prepare.

• Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will move into the offer, medical where required, and security-clearance stages before joining in September 2027.

Apply early

Recruitment is rolling and applications will close once all available positions have been filled.

Reasonable adjustments

We want you to feel confident and supported throughout the application process. Tell us if a reasonable adjustment would help. Any inclusion information will be used only to support your application and handled in accordance with GDPR.