Year in Industry- Environmental

Environment 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.

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:
- 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-
- 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

The Application Process

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.

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.
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Why us?

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