How long have you worked at AWE?
We joined the AWE apprenticeship scheme in September 2018
What made you choose an apprenticeship?
We both looked at various options such as university as well as apprenticeships and came to the conclusion that an apprenticeship would be the best route. We recognised that apprenticeships had advantages over other options as they incorporate both learning and workplace experience. Being in a workplace environment allows you to gain experience and prepare for a full-time career. Also the training and education provides extra knowledge and understanding which is an advantage over going straight in to full-time employment.
Why did you choose AWE?
We decided to choose an AWE apprenticeship as it offers many qualifications compared to other options. The apprenticeship has been running for a long time and has been recognised as a top apprenticeship by the national apprenticeship awards. Also we believe AWE is a unique and interesting place to work, and provides many opportunities which allows for further career progression after the apprenticeship has finished.
Tell us about your time at AWE?
Most of our time at work is spent in the workshop based in the Skills Academy, where we make components using various machines. The main machines we work on include lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines as well as turret mills. Creating components on the machines allows us to learn and develop our skills for our specific trades. The remainder of our time is spent doing theory-based work, this allows us to gain the technical knowledge which we can apply when doing practical work. We both enjoy the practical side of our work, however we recognise the importance of the theory element.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about our job is that we have the opportunity to learn something new every day whether it be about our trade or about the company itself.
How do you see your career progressing?
Once the apprenticeship is completed we would like to gain more experience within our trades, then progress higher up within the company possibly into managerial positions or more technical roles, these could both be aided by further qualifications such as degrees.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
Find an apprenticeship based around something you’re interested and enthusiastic about. There are many apprenticeships available in different sectors, providing a wide range of opportunities. The main thing is to find an apprenticeship in a role that you would like to develop a career in.