Job Description

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.

Sustainability Advisor Year in Industry Programme 2027

Salary

£24,500 per annum plus benefits

Location

Aldermaston, near Reading, Berkshire; onsite

Contract

One-year placement

Start date

2 August 2027

Working pattern

9-day working fortnight

About AWE

We are a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. Our work supports the UK's independent nuclear deterrent and extends into vital areas including counter-terrorism, global nuclear test monitoring and the development of world-class nuclear science expertise.

At AWE, you will find purpose, growth and a community where you can learn from experienced professionals and contribute to important outcomes.

Role purpose

As a Year in Industry Sustainability Advisor, you will join experienced professionals who help embed sustainability into the way AWE plans, delivers and operates its programmes, projects and facilities. You will support the integration of sustainability principles into business decision-making, helping create long-term value while meeting operational objectives.

You will contribute to AWE’s Sustainability Strategy and Climate Transition Plan, supporting initiatives that strengthen climate resilience, reduce carbon emissions, enhance biodiversity, improve resource efficiency and maximise social value.

Role context

The role sits within Sustainability, Safety, Health, Environment and Quality. You will gain experience supporting AWE’s ISO 14001-certified Environmental Management System, helping ensure environmental risks and opportunities are managed and legal obligations are met.

You will work across different business areas, including operational facilities and major project delivery, and develop an understanding of the governance, regulatory and assurance frameworks that support sustainable delivery at AWE.

Key activities and responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of AWE’s Sustainability Strategy and support key sustainability programmes and initiatives.
• Support projects and operational teams to embed sustainability into planning, decision-making and delivery.
• Use and develop knowledge of sustainability assessment tools.
• Support the measurement, monitoring and reporting of sustainability performance and key indicators.
• Develop knowledge of social value and help identify opportunities to benefit people, communities and the wider environment.
• Gain practical experience in environmental risk assessment and environmental management.
• Build an understanding of environmental legislation, regulatory requirements, environmental permitting and compliance obligations.
• Learn how sustainability requirements are integrated into governance, assurance, projects and operations.
• Work collaboratively with project teams, facility operators and technical specialists to support sustainable outcomes.

Learning and development

• Learn from experts: Work alongside sustainability and environmental professionals and contribute to real programmes and projects.
• Strategic understanding: Learn how sustainability strategy is translated into practical action and business decisions.
• Technical capability: Build experience of assessment tools, performance indicators, environmental risk, reporting and compliance.
• Broader impact: Develop knowledge across climate, carbon, biodiversity, resource efficiency and social value.
• Professional confidence: Build stakeholder, communication and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams.

Entry requirements

We are keen to hear from students studying Sustainability, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Geography or a related discipline.

• You must be on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 degree classification, or demonstrate equivalent academic performance to date, before starting the placement.
• You must be available to join AWE on 2 August 2027.
• You must be a UK national holding a UK passport and have lived in the UK for 10 years to apply for Developed Vetting clearance.
• You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.

Behaviours and qualities

• Curious: You enjoy connecting environmental, social and operational considerations and asking thoughtful questions.
• Collaborative: You can build constructive relationships and value different perspectives.
• Analytical: You can work carefully with evidence, data and requirements.
• Clear communicator: You can explain ideas and findings to different audiences.
• Growth mindset: You are open to feedback and motivated to develop.
• Purpose driven: You want to help create positive, practical and long-term outcomes.

Salary and benefits

• £24,500 salary.
• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A 9-day working fortnight, giving you every other Friday off.
• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme.
• Potential to secure a Graduate role after university, subject to availability and selection.
• Savings across retail, hospitality and leisure.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.

Recruitment process and key dates

• Online application: Choose 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 during November 2026.
• Pre-assessment support: Receive webinar guidance so you know what to expect.
• Offer and clearance: Successful candidates will complete offer and security-clearance stages before joining on 2 August 2027.

Security requirements

You must be a UK national holding a UK passport and have lived in the UK for 10 years to apply for Developed Vetting clearance. You must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance.

Inclusion and reasonable adjustments

We want candidates to feel confident and informed throughout the application process. We particularly welcome women and others who are underrepresented in environmental and technical careers, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments. Any inclusion information will be used only to support the application and held in accordance with GDPR.

Questions can be directed to EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk.

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.