Scantec sources SC and DV cleared MEP trades for AWE Aldermaston and Burghfield, covering pipefitters, coded welders, mechanical fitters and electricians. AWE runs a multi-million-pound forward-build programme of new facilities on a nuclear-licensed site, so cleared M&E trades demand is deep and continuous. We place from an already-vetted bench.
Key Takeaways
- AWE Aldermaston (RG7 4PR) and Burghfield run a multi-million-pound forward-build programme of new facilities, sustaining cleared pipefitting, welding, electrical and commissioning demand.
- SC is the site-access baseline and DV is mandatory for warhead-programme access.
- SC cleared pipefitters at AWE were advertised at £320/day, plus a £1.71/hour second-tier and £0.75/hour retention on all hours (AWE, 2026).
- Mechanical commissioning technicians reach £49 to £54/hour, worked over AWE's 9-day fortnight (AWE, 2026).
Where Cleared MEP Trades Work Across the AWE Estate
Cleared MEP trades at AWE work across two secure sites and a defined residential catchment. The main Aldermaston site at RG7 4PR sits between Reading and Basingstoke, with the Burghfield site a short distance away, and most cleared trades commute from Tadley, Reading and the wider Thames Valley. The forward-build programme runs across both sites, so many trades hold access to each.
Which employers hire cleared MEP trades at AWE?
The anchor employer is AWE plc, now AWE Nuclear Security Technologies, alongside the Tier 1 principal contractors delivering the site infrastructure framework. AWE advertised 64 live vacancies at the time of writing across Aldermaston, Burghfield, Tadley and Reading, spanning construction electrical, mechanical supervisor and building services roles (AWE, 2026). Specialist M&E subcontractors on the forward-build programme make up the rest of the cleared trade demand. The surge in demand across AWE and the wider nuclear estate keeps this catchment tight.
What clearance do AWE MEP trade roles need?
SC is the baseline for site access and DV is required for warhead-programme work. AWE construction roles ask candidates to pass site security vetting at BPSS as a minimum, with higher clearance required for programme access, and to adhere to strict site security and behavioural standards (AWE, 2026). Scoping the role to the correct tier, rather than defaulting to DV, is what protects the timeline, and matches the CTC, SC and DV tiers AWE roles run on.
Why AWE Drives Sustained Cleared Trade Demand
AWE demand is programme-driven and long-dated because the forward-build is a multi-year commitment. The site describes a significant UK-leading multi-million-pound forward-build programme of new facilities and associated infrastructure, which sustains cleared pipefitting, welding, electrical and commissioning demand across the whole build phase (AWE, 2026). Programme working weeks run to 56 days with Saturday working at premium rates.
What do cleared trades earn at AWE?
Cleared trade pay at AWE sits above commercial rates because the work is DV-gated and programme-critical. An SC cleared pipefitter was advertised at £320/day, with a £1.71/hour second-tier payment and a £0.75/hour retention payment on all hours worked, and mechanical commissioning technicians at £49 to £54/hour (AWE, 2026). Permanent trade and supervisor bands run £39,280 to £58,920 with pension and a 9-day fortnight. These are the cleared trades AWE relies on to keep the forward-build moving.
How We Place Cleared MEP Trades at AWE
Our AWE model works an already-cleared bench first, so trades reach site while a direct campaign is still in vetting. We scope the clearance tier, benchmark the rate and manage mobilisation across both sites.
Step 1. We match the role to our already-cleared bench, prioritising trades holding live SC or DV who can transfer sponsor in weeks.
Step 2. We scope the clearance tier to the actual access, so the role is not over-specified to DV where SC grants entry.
Step 3. We benchmark the rate to the AWE market, including the second-tier and retention uplifts, so the offer holds.
Step 4. We coordinate mobilisation across Aldermaston and Burghfield, checking CCNSG and CSCS tickets before start. Our defence and MOD recruitment team runs this across the AWE estate.
FAQs
What cleared trades does AWE Aldermaston hire?
AWE hires cleared pipefitters, coded welders, mechanical fitters, electricians and mechanical commissioning technicians across its Aldermaston and Burghfield forward-build programme. SC is the site-access baseline and DV is required for warhead-programme work, with roles advertised across construction electrical, mechanical supervisor and building services trades (AWE, 2026).
How much do cleared trades earn at AWE?
An SC cleared pipefitter at AWE was advertised at £320/day, with a £1.71/hour second-tier and £0.75/hour retention on all hours, and mechanical commissioning technicians at £49 to £54/hour (AWE, 2026). Permanent trade and supervisor bands run £39,280 to £58,920 with a 9-day fortnight.
Do AWE trade roles need DV clearance?
SC is the baseline for site access, and DV is mandatory only for warhead-programme work. Many construction and infrastructure trades start at BPSS with SC required for wider access, so the tier depends on the specific role rather than seniority (AWE, 2026).
Scantec has sourced cleared trades into UK nuclear and defence sites since 1990, and holds a live bench of SC and DV cleared pipefitters, welders, fitters and electricians for AWE. Brief us on your Aldermaston or Burghfield requirement and we will shortlist from an already-vetted pool.
