How long have you worked at AWE?
7.5 years
Why did you choose AWE?
I wanted to work at AWE as it’s a company operating in a unique engineering field with a number of interesting and diverse opportunities. I liked the idea of the graduate scheme because of the chance to work around the company, learning more about what AWE does and how I could contribute, and trying a number of areas before deciding where I would enjoy.
This is something that continues at AWE and the opportunities to work in different areas of the business, doing completely different work, is what keeps me here. When I started, I had no idea how long I would stay here, but it’s safe to say AWE lived up to my expectations and has allowed me to continue developing as an engineer, and that is why I’m still here.
Tell us about your time at AWE?
I joined AWE on the graduate scheme, doing a number of placements including working for ‘In Service Support’ where I helped with ensuring the system and components through life, and then working in Nuclear Threat Reduction where I helped with designing items for use in forensics testing on site.
I also helped to design parts for additive manufacture and, on out-turning from the graduate scheme, I moved into a research and development role on the use of additive machines on site, how we can qualify components, as well as supporting companywide projects.
In 2021 I took on a secondment as the Chief Engineer’s Technical Assistant. This gave me the opportunity to support his interactions with key stakeholders, including US laboratories and saw me arranging secondments to the US, producing business cases for funding, and generating reports and presentations.
I really enjoyed my secondment and the exposure it gave me to the wider business. Following this I decided to move into a new role and area of AWE. I am now a team leader for Mechanisms and, although this is very different from my previous roles, it’s allowing me to develop new skills in looking after staff while maintaining the planning, resourcing and task management of projects, so I’m continually improving my engineering technical skills.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the variety and opportunities I’ve had, such as travelling to and working with the US, moving around the business, and supporting the next set of graduates and starters at AWE. The variety keeps it interesting, as well as allowing me to continuously learn and improve my knowledge and see how I could help shape the future. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of more senior members of staff, and observe how they supported our programmes, the business and MOD, helping develop my skills and experience.
How do you see your career progressing?
Having been at AWE nearly 8 years, I have achieved CEng, been promoted and become a Team Leader. Over the next few years, I intend to continue learning and developing my technical skills, whilst growing as a team leader.
Why are days such as International Women in Engineering Day so important?
Being asked to present at AWE’s event for International Women in Engineering Day is a huge honour for me, providing an opportunity to showcase my great work and experience and hopefully encouraging other women.
Events (such as INWED) are great for promoting and showcasing women’s ability in engineering and the good work they do, helping the industry to diversify and encouraging not only more women, but also more of the younger generation, to pursue careers in STEM areas.
Who inspired you to become an engineer?
No one person inspired me to become an engineer, but when I was at college and thinking about what to do next, my mum, a careers advisor, suggested that with my A-levels why didn’t I try engineering. There was a course run at a local university specifically for women giving them the opportunity to experience engineering before deciding if that was a career for them. I attended the course and haven’t looked back since; it gave me an opportunity to talk about a future in this industry with other women whilst also experiencing the day-to-day life of being an engineer. Following the course, I decided to attend Swansea University studying for a MEng in Aerospace Engineering before moving the AWE.
What do you consider the greatest invention?
Is there anyone you consider as an innovator in engineering? The greatest invention to me would be the light bulb or possibly the internet. These two spring to mind as both these inventions have allowed us to be able to work and socialise at any time of the day; whilst the internet allows us to communicate and connect with anyone around the world with ease and have access to all of the information out there.
Why is gender equality and diversity so important to our industry?
Being an engineer and working in the defence sector, you notice that there is a lack of other females in many areas. I have found that having women as well as men working on projects will ensure that a variety of different skills are present to help the project succeed. A team needs to be made up of many different personalities and skills and this can only be achieved by having a mix of different ages, genders, and levels of experience present.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming an engineer?
To anyone thinking about becoming an engineer I would say give it a go! Doing courses and events to experience the day-to-day life of an engineer will help you make the decision, but being an engineer and helping the next generation is rewarding and worth the effort.