Estates Strategy and Planning Graduate Trainee

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.

Graduate Trainee - Estates Strategy and Planning

Programme 

Evolve Graduate Programme 

Salary 

£31,000 starting salary plus benefits 

Location 

Aldermaston, Reading area, Berkshire - onsite 

Duration 

Two years 

Start date 

September 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 wider national-security capabilities through science, engineering, technology and specialist expertise.

Programme purpose

The Estates Strategy and Plans team shapes the long-term development, performance and sustainability of AWE’s estate. As a Graduate, you will support the strategies, plans and evidence that ensure infrastructure and assets remain safe, efficient and fit for purpose.

The two-year programme will build your analytical, technical, commercial and stakeholder-engagement capability. You will learn how strategic planning, asset management, investment, sustainability and energy objectives come together in a complex and highly regulated organisation.

Key activities and responsibilities

• Support the development of long-term estate strategies and plans that keep infrastructure safe, efficient and fit for purpose.

• Contribute to asset-management plans, requirements capture and future capability planning.

• Support infrastructure investment proposals, options appraisal and business-case development.

• Analyse complex estate, asset and energy data to support evidence-based decisions.

• Contribute to energy, carbon-reduction, efficiency and environmental-impact strategies.

• Work with project teams, operational users and technical specialists to align plans with business needs and value for money.

Learning and development

• How estate strategies and asset-management plans are developed, governed and aligned to organisational objectives.

• How infrastructure investment proposals and business cases balance cost, risk, performance and future capability.

• Requirements capture, options appraisal, data analysis and evidence-based decision-making.

• How strategic estate planning links with project delivery and operational priorities.

• Energy management, carbon reduction, sustainability and environmental performance across a complex estate.

• Stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing across multidisciplinary teams.

Career development and progression

You will gain exposure to strategic planning, infrastructure investment, asset-management principles, business-case development, project delivery, operations, sustainability and energy management. Following successful completion, you will be well positioned to develop within Estates Strategy and Planning or a related discipline, with increasing responsibility for investment decisions and strategic direction.

Behaviours and qualities

• Proactive: You take ownership, show initiative and look for practical ways to add value.

• Analytical: You can interpret complex information and use evidence to support recommendations.

• Collaborative: You build constructive relationships and value the knowledge of different stakeholders.

• Organised: You can manage competing priorities and deliver work to a high standard.

• Detail focused: You understand the importance of accuracy, quality and compliance.

• Adaptable: You respond positively to changing priorities and new challenges.

Entry requirements

• 2:2 Minimum degree grade in any degree discipline 

• You must be available to join AWE in September 2027.

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

• You must be willing to work onsite and complete an Occupational Health pre-employment assessment.

Salary and benefits

• £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.

Support and community

• A dedicated line manager and Evolve pathway lead.

• A buddy, typically from an earlier Graduate cohort.

• A supportive Early Careers community and access to employee networks.

• Structured development, leadership activity and relevant professional learning.

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, Occupational Health and security-clearance stages before joining in September 2027.

Security and operational requirements 

You must be a British National and willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance. The role is onsite and successful candidates must complete the required Occupational Health pre-employment assessment. 

Inclusion and reasonable adjustments

AWE aims to create workplaces where differences are recognised and celebrated, diverse contributions are encouraged and employees feel able to be themselves. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application process, with inclusion information handled in accordance with GDPR.

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.