Reading apprenticeships in security work open to people of 'all backgrounds'

Candidates of all background are encouraged to apply

The Ministry of Defence's nuclear weapons research facility is offering apprenticeships for "critically important" security work.

The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has launched a Data Skills Academy for apprentices in Reading, Berkshire.

They will be taught skills in data wrangling and analysis techniques over 15 months, a spokesperson said.

AWE said successful apprentices would be helping "keep our country safe and secure". 

The training will be delivered by tech company Multiverse, which has created more than 15,000 apprenticeships in the UK and US

For more than 70 years, the body has developed, manufactured and maintained warheads for the UK's nuclear deterrent.

It also supports the UK's counter terrorism and nuclear threat reduction activities.

A spokesperson said successful candidates would receive "an exciting and unique opportunity to get involved in work that is critically important to help keep our country safe and secure".

• How many people take apprenticeships and how much are they paid?

The training will be delivered by tech company Multiverse, there are no grade requirements and people without a university degree are encouraged to apply.

The programme also covers data science, including programming language Python and an introduction to machine learning.

AWE's executive director of engineering Mandy Savage said they wanted to "ensure we're reaching people from all backgrounds, and giving them access to world-class training and an impactful career".

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.