AWE has hundreds of remarkable people achieving extraordinary things on an hourly basis. On International Women’s Day (IWD), we would like to introduce you to some of the super women that make up our exceptional workforce and work towards our critical mission to support the defence and security of the UK.
Amanda – Knowledge Specialist
Trains, planes, and automobiles – I’ve either worked with or had personal involvement across them all! I’ve been a mainline train driver, had varying roles in motorsport, including in Formula 1, and 3, and also have my pilot’s licence. With all of that under my belt, I’m proud my expertise has also incorporated a total of 10 years on AWE’s critical mission, and my current role as a Knowledge Specialist is helping to ensure future scientists are able to learn from the expertise of AWE’s senior scientists.
After discovering being a full-time musician wasn’t the most stable of jobs, I funded my own part-time degree in physics as a mature student and then worked in various areas of science. This gave me some excellent transferable skills when I joined AWE and provided a lot of different opportunities.
At a time when often women were not taken seriously in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and after challenging the norm prior to joining AWE, I’ve had a varied career which continues to enhance my passion of science and engineering. There’s not only one career route at AWE, if you’re willing to get stuck in, whatever your background, there are always new prospects available.
I hope my life story and accomplishments inspires women at all stages of their lives to pursue a career in STEM, there are so many opportunities, it’s never too late and the world really is your oyster.
Ashleigh – Mechanical Engineer
I heard about AWE when I was around 12 years’ old when I attended a ‘Females in Engineering’ event, a few years later I went to ‘TeenTech’ and was again introduced to AWE. Then just a year later as I was looking at higher education options and the AWE apprenticeship scheme was recommended by a friend – it was meant to be.
After completing an apprenticeship in Mechanical Maintenance in 2019, I became a Mechanical Practitioner. After a few years I became a Manufacturing Engineer at AWE and now help in our critical mission by developing the manufacturing processes and tools required for our work as a business to manufacture, maintain and develop the warheads for Trident, the UK’s ultimate deterrent.
To help inspire others, I am now a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Ambassador and run events such as the ‘Females in Engineering’ event, the one I remember attending when I was just 12. I hope to give real life examples of how they can be part of our critical mission and provide the assurance to girls and women interested in a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics that it is possible, especially at AWE.
AWE has played a crucial role in the UK Government’s nuclear defence strategy for more than 70 years and I now hope to carry on that vital work into the next generation.
Rachel – Security Manager
I’ve been working for AWE since 2007 and I’ve worked in various areas of the business, building knowledge and discovering my love of security. For me, Security is a passion that has grown significantly since being at AWE and I am proud to be supporting our mission protecting the UK and being a significant part of National Security.
More women are entering the security sector and AWE is a progressive and ever-changing company that invests in its people. This is something I experienced directly, I am supported and encouraged to progress and pursue the work I loved.
To help inspire others, I share my own experiences as much as possible, promoting wellbeing. I am proud of my part in the critical mission contributing to defence of the UK. Outside of work, I provide a good role model for my daughter and I am heavily involved in sport teams helping to promote sport for all ages and abilities.