How long have you worked at AWE?
I joined the AWE Graduate Scheme in September 2018.
What did you study at university?
I studied Chemistry with a Year in Industry at the University of Leicester. My year in industry was spent at 3M working within their Automotive Aftermarket Division.
Why did you choose AWE?
AWE is a huge company and plays a vital role in the defence of our country. Leaving university, I wanted to do a job where I felt I did something that mattered and working for AWE definitely fulfils this.
Tell us about your time at AWE?
My first 6-month placement has been with the Energetic Materials and Development Team. During this time, I have applied lab-based skills I’d learnt at university, as well as numerous new techniques, to produce and analyse a variety of explosive materials.
Alongside working with my team, as a graduate I also have time to work on a separate graduate project. My project is aimed at engaging children with science in local primary schools and we are in the process of organising a school science competition for next term.
What was your first impression of AWE?
Entering AWE for the first time can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of people and size of the site. It has numerous different buildings, all with different roles, and I was really interested to hear about the developments planned for the future.
What are the benefits of AWE?
The nine-day fortnight is a definite bonus – meaning we have every other Friday off. Moreover, AWE wants its staff to reach chartered professional status, therefore as a graduate you will be assigned a mentor to guide you through this process. Another great benefit is the rotational nature of the graduate scheme, meaning that you have the opportunity to try out multiple roles over the two years.
What do you most enjoy about your current role?
As previously mentioned my current role is with the energetic materials development team. This has allowed me to work with materials which aren’t normally found in conventional laboratories. In my projects I have been given the freedom to investigate all avenues of research, with innovation being strongly advocated. It is this degree of autonomy which I enjoy most about my current role.
How do you see your career progressing?
Being at AWE for 5 months, I have already learnt a great deal and have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the labs applying my Chemistry degree. The vastness of the site and company means that there are many different roles at AWE and lots of different opportunities to apply myself. However, my ambition at the moment is to gain Chartered Scientist Status.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining the AWE graduate programme?
I would recommend applying to the AWE Graduate Scheme for anyone who wants a practical application for their university degree. The brilliant thing about AWE is the rotational scheme, typically every 6 months there is the opportunity to change the area you are working in to get a broader view of AWE. My advice to a graduate applying would be: don’t be afraid to ask questions, there is no harm in not knowing exactly what you are doing straight away – that’s why we are on a graduate scheme. I would also say that AWE is a fantastic opportunity to talk to experienced employees and gain a variety of knowledge from a range of different areas.