Graduate Trainee - Commercial

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 - Commercial

Programme 

Evolve Graduate Programme 

Salary 

£31,000 starting salary plus benefits 

Location 

Green Park, Reading, Berkshire - onsite 

Duration 

Two years 

Start date 

September 2027 

Professional study 

Funded CIPS or RICS qualification with protected study time 

About AWE

We are a team of remarkable people delivering an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure. Our work includes delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent and advancing nuclear technologies that support national security.

As part of AWE, you will contribute to nationally significant programmes, help address complex commercial challenges and support innovative solutions alongside pioneering scientific and technical work.

Programme purpose

The two-year Evolve Graduate Programme will help you build the commercial skills, experience and professional credentials needed for a successful career. You will join a Commercial function supporting one of the UK's most ambitious defence and national security investment programmes, with more than £20 billion being invested in infrastructure, technology and capabilities.

From the start, you will contribute to real commercial activities and work alongside experienced professionals, senior leaders, government stakeholders and strategic suppliers. The programme is designed to give you early exposure, meaningful responsibility and structured support as you develop towards future commercial leadership roles.

Key activities and responsibilities

• Contribute to commercial strategies that support organisational objectives and deliver long-term value.

• Support procurement activity and the negotiation, award and management of complex contracts.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with strategic suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the contract lifecycle.

• Support value-for-money decisions while balancing cost, risk, performance and delivery requirements.

• Use commercial insight, analysis and market intelligence to inform business decisions.

• Apply commercial policy, governance and assurance frameworks to support compliant and robust decisions.

• Use digital tools and emerging technology, including AI-enabled solutions, to improve commercial outcomes.

• Communicate clearly, influence constructively and work confidently across complex stakeholder environments.

Career pathways and professional development

You will gain exposure to a range of commercial disciplines, which may include procurement, contract management, commercial assurance, category management and commercial strategy. This will help you understand your strengths and explore potential career pathways.

AWE will fully fund either a Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) qualification and provide protected study time throughout the programme.

Behaviours and qualities

• Proactive: Takes ownership, shows initiative and follows through on commitments.

• Curious: Asks questions, seeks understanding and explores new ideas.

• Growth-oriented: Embraces learning opportunities, feedback and continuous development.

• Adaptable: Responds positively to challenges, change and new ways of working.

• Collaborative: Builds positive relationships and works effectively with others.

• Analytical: Uses evidence and insight to solve problems and make informed decisions.

• Commercially minded: Shows interest in how organisations create value, manage risk and deliver outcomes.

• Communicative: Shares ideas clearly and listens to different perspectives.

• Organised: Manages priorities effectively and pays attention to detail.

• Professional: Demonstrates integrity, accountability and respect for others.

Entry requirements

• You must have or gain a 2.2 degree prior to joining us. 

• A commercial, financial or business-related background may be advantageous but is not essential. Applications are encouraged from all degree disciplines.

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

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

Salary and benefits

• £31,000 starting salary.

• Regular Graduate pay reviews and structured career progression.

• A market-leading contributory pension scheme.

• 270 hours of annual leave, including bank holidays.

• A 9-day working fortnight, meaning you will not work every other Friday.

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

• A salary-sacrifice benefit scheme, Life Assurance and employee discounts across retail, hospitality and leisure.

• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.

Support and community

• A dedicated Placement Manager throughout the programme.

• A buddy, typically a Graduate from a previous cohort.

• A vibrant Early Careers community with organised and informal social activities.

• Opportunities to join staff-led Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working groups.

• Support from colleagues and management to bring your unique contribution to the work.

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 and security-clearance stages before joining in September 2027.

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. Any inclusion information provided will be used only to support the application and 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.