Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme (DSUS) – Reading

Do you want to be an integral part of maintaining national security now and in the future, whilst developing your skills and career within the Nuclear industry? Then this Defence STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) Scheme could be the opportunity you are looking for! 

This is a genuinely exciting time to join the Ministry of Defence (MOD) if you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues. You will get to work on a high profile and distinctive portfolio which is rarely out of the news and have a unique insight into the captivating world of nuclear. 

You will require an eagerness to learn, an inquisitive mind with a logical approach to problem solving, be self-motivated and have the ability to learn from practical and theoretical studies. The scheme requires dedication from you to complete the remainder of your STEM degree and commit to work in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) for a minimum of 3 years after you graduate. If this sounds like you, then we want to hear from you! 

The Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) is made up of several government and industry organisations which forms part of the MOD that sustains the UK’s nuclear deterrent. This includes the organisations, programmes, and people within government and industry that help deliver the UK’s nuclear capability.  There are opportunities in Reading (with opportunities in Bristol (ref: 295582) and Portsmouth (295665) due to be advertised shortly.

Reading – Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE)

The Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) Scheme this year offers a new opportunity for those of you interested in a future in Defence at AWE.

AWE is a team of over 6000 remarkable people achieving extraordinary things. AWE plays a crucial role in nuclear defence, tackling the threat from nuclear terrorism, maintaining the Trident warhead system for the UK’s current safety and security, and designing and providing future warheads for the UK’s nuclear deterrent. We are a high performing business delivering extraordinary products. We’re on a mission to grow our workforce by over 2000 over the next two years to ensure that we deliver this vital mission.

During the programme there will be opportunities to be exposed to (amongst other things):

• Research and Development
• Designing and developing
• Computational modelling
• Trials and testing
• Warhead engineering
• Building services and processes
• Facilities and plant
• Construction and assembly
• Analysis and Safety
• Manufacturing and production
• Driving productivity, performance and innovation throughout the lifecycle of the nuclear warhead

Eligibility 

To be eligible for this sponsorship scheme, you must: 

Be studying for a degree in ANY engineering discipline. 

You can apply for this scheme at any stage of your studies from 1st year to final year 

Undertake optional paid work placements for up to 45 days during the summer  

Commit to work within the DNE on graduation and for a minimum of 3 years. 

Please note that this is an undergraduate scheme so if you have already graduated in your degree, you will not be eligible. 

During your studies 

If you are accepted onto this sponsorship scheme, whilst you study for your degree, we will: 

• Pay your tuition fees (up to £9,250 each year for the remainder of your studies (up to a maximum of 3 years) 
• Pay you a bursary of £5,000 each year for the remainder of your studies
• Organise optional paid work placements for you in a variety of locations across the UK – these placements are crafted to give you experience of the DNE that will be of value to your future career and to your development 

Upon graduation 

On successful completion of your degree, where you are awarded 2:2 or above, we will appoint you to a permanent job within the DNE: 

• Your contracted hours will be 37 hours per week 

• You will initially start as an Executive Officer (EO) (current minimum £27,080)  
• At the 2-year point there may be an opportunity for you to re-grade (promote) to Higher Executive Officer HEO (current minimum £33,830) 
• Roles are available in a variety of locations across the UK 
• We will continue to support you with professional development in order to maintain your skills and professional accreditation 

Interviews will take place throughout Autumn 2023.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Leadership

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Application of Analytical Techniques
• Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance

We truly believe that the MOD is a great place to work, and we offer a unique employee experience. We want to ensure that every single employee feels appreciated & fairly rewarded and offer the following additional benefits:  

• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service  
• In additional to 8 public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthday 
• An environment with flexible working options 
• Good travel links with free car parking; 
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity, with access to networks
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering
• Enhanced shared parental leave and adoption leave
• Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. 
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Cycle Loan (Advance on Salary)
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA) 
• Defence Discount Service  

Job contact :

• Name : DNO-DNE-Early Careers Team
• Email : DNO-DNE-Talent@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-AMO@mod.gov.uk