Overview
Year in Industry- Environmental & Sustainability Specialist – Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4PR
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Negotiable
Environment Specialist Year in Industry Programme 2026
Starting salary £23,500 + plus benefits and welcome bonus | Office based in Aldermaston, nr Reading, Berkshire.
PLEASE NOTE WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT ONE APPLICATION PER CANDIDATE PER YEAR. ANY DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE WITHDRAWN.
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.
About AWE
We’re a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies.
Our work is critical. We’re delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that’s just part of the story.
We support the UK government in a range of vital areas – from counter-terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security.
At AWE, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique.
Be extraordinary at AWE.
Entry Requirements
We are interested in the following degree disciplines:
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Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Sustainability
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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.
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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.
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Be graduating in 2028 or 2029 and taking a placement year as part of your degree from summer 2026 to summer 2027.
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:
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£23,500 salary
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Holiday entitlement of 270 hours of leave annually including bank holidays
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Excellent work/life balance and a vibrant and welcoming grad social scene
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9-day working fortnight – so every other Friday off
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A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme
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A welcome payment
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Potential to secure a Graduate role for when you finish university, subject to availability
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Access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending across retail, hospitality and leisure
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Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
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Access to our Occupational Health Services
The Application Process
We want you to shine in your application process which is designed to be fair and transparent. So we’ve kept it simple with a three step process.
Online application: Apply for one pathway; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.
Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Don’t be intimidated: practice assessments will be available so you will be fully equipped with the knowledge of what to expect.
Virtual assessment: Those successful at testing will be invited to our virtual assessment centres. These run throughout November into January 2026 – we’ll confirm the exact dates in an email. We run pre-assessment centre webinars to guide you on what to expect.
You must be able to Join AWE in August 2026. Applications close on Friday 24th October, but will close earlier if we receive enough applications. So apply sooner rather than later!
Candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. Please note that you must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
Reasonable Adjustments:
Our aim is to make you feel confident and informed throughout your journey with us: we’re not trying to catch you out. Our ambition is to create a workplace where differences are recognised and celebrated. Our mission relies on the diversity and our people being able to bring their energy to work and perform their best.
We encourage diverse applicants and we’re here to support you all the way. We encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments on your application. Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR. Learn about how we handle your data.
Why us?
Build your career as future leader
Our focus lies on a number of key themes such as: ‘self and team awareness’ – providing an opportunity to better understand your own strengths and how these could contribute effectively to collaborative situations.
Create your network
AWE’s early careers community is full of energy, connection, and opportunity. You’ll find plenty of ways to get involved through events organised by our ERGs , spontaneous activities and the Recreation Society. It’s a space where you can build relationships, share experiences, and enjoy life beyond your role.
Continual support to grow
You will be supported by a dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead who will help your transition into the business, provide pastoral support and work with you on your development journey. You will be aligned to a ‘buddy’, who will normally be a fellow graduate from an earlier cohort.
Who We’re Looking For:
We’re looking for people who are naturally curious, enjoy solving complex problems, and aren’t afraid to ask questions when things don’t quite make sense. You’ll bring a dependable, team-focused mindset and a willingness to learn because in a unique, classified environment like ours, trust and integrity are key.
You’ll thrive at AWE if you’re resilient, eager to grow and excited to apply your skills to real-world challenges. You’ll embrace our behaviours: connecting with respect, keeping our promises, staying safe and secure, and embracing simplicity.
Contact us
