How long have you worked at AWE?
I’ve worked at AWE for three Years
Tell us about your time at AWE?
I spent my first 18 months in the Apprentice Academy. In my first year I worked under the guidance of instructors to gain a basic understanding and knowledge of machining principles and practices. These were developed further in the first six months of my second year as we were able to work a lot more independently. After the first 18 months I started my onsite placements where I was able to see production facilities across the whole business. After out-turning from my apprenticeship I was fortunate enough to secure a job in Nuclear Threat Reduction (NTR) as a device engineer. After completing a placement within NTR I knew that was where I wanted to work. I can use my machining knowledge and skills gained through my apprenticeship, yet also apply this knowledge and skill to tasks other than machining, which I really enjoy.
Why did you choose AWE for your apprenticeship?
I chose AWE for my apprenticeship as the idea for working for a specialised company like AWE really appealed to me and being such a big company I knew that there would be lots of opportunities where I could develop myself further. After Completing my A levels, I was unsure about what to do next. I looked into university, and decided it wasn’t for me so started to look into different engineering apprenticeships around and found AWE. The idea of earning a salary whilst furthering my education and career opportunities seemed like the right route for me go down.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the wide range of varied work that I get involved in. One day I can be machining a new component or refurbishing an old one in the machine shop and the next day I can be fitting the part I’ve made as I build the hardware. Another good thing is that hard work is noted and rewarded, I found this out after being nominated for the Southern Manufacturing Apprentice of the year. I was one of seven apprentices in the south of England to make it to the finals and was nominated for the award by my line manager. This made me feel extremely proud for the hard work that I put into my apprenticeship over the three years.
What are the benefits?
Working in such a big company there are always ways to progress and further your career at AWE. Whether that be through extra training for the job you are in or changing your career route altogether. Practical benefits include the 9-day fortnight, where every other week we get a 3-day weekend. Apprentice pay has been massively uplifted in the last few years and comes as a great benefit to the apprentices who are now being paid a great wage and an even better out-turning salary after completion of their apprenticeship.
How do you see your career progressing?
I’d like to continue progressing my knowledge and skills within the department I work in now. I’m hoping to undertake a HNC to progress my career further and open up new opportunities for me.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining AWE apprenticeship scheme?
I’d advise anyone who is thinking of joining the AWE apprenticeship scheme to attend as many careers events as possible and speak to the apprentices attending to find out which apprenticeship would suit them best.