Connect – Autumn 2025
Welcome to the extended version of Connect
Thank you for taking the time to read the printed leaflet you received in the post, and for scanning the QR code to discover more.
Taking some of our content online has enabled us to reduce the printing associated with Connect by more than half, supporting our environmental goals.
If you’ve recycled the paper leaflet but want to revisit the content, you can do so by clicking the image of its front page (above on mobile, or right on desktop).
REPPIR resources
Explore the digital version of the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations (REPPIR) to learn how you would be alerted to an emergency at one of our sites, actions to take, and view an online map of the emergency planning zones.
New emergency text alert service
You can now sign up to an emergency text alert service. In the very unlikely event of an emergency at our Aldermaston or Burghfield sites, the scheme enables those who live nearby to be contacted promptly.
Apprenticeship applications now open
Applications are open for our 2026 apprenticeship programme. We have over 20 different roles available, which allow you to earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience and industry-recognised qualifications in areas such as operations, engineering and science.
Apprenticeships at AWE aren’t just for school leavers – many of our apprentices are career changers looking for a fresh start. As one of the region’s largest employers, we offer a secure and exciting launchpad for anyone ready to take the next step in their career.
Supporting our communities
Over 50,000 STEM engagements in a year
Our science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) engagement programme generated fantastic results once again in the 2024-25 academic year. Our volunteer STEM Ambassadors reached over 50,000 young people across 277 primary schools, secondary schools and colleges.
We partner with STEM Learning, the national STEM Ambassador programme, to complete DBS checks of our people and measure our impact. They’ve calculated that AWE’s STEM Ambassadors delivered over £6.3 million in social value.
The winner of the AWE75 art competition is…
As part of our 75th anniversary celebrations, we invited local primary school students to imagine the future of science and engineering through art – and the response was nothing short of extraordinary. Over 800 entries flooded in from across our local communities, with each one offering a unique and imaginative glimpse into what a scientist or engineer might look like in 75 years’ time.
From robotic limbs and floating lab coats to AI companions and gravity-defying gadgets, the creativity on display was inspiring. Members of our Executive Team had the tough task of narrowing the entries down to twelve finalists, and the final winner was chosen by employee vote.
Congratulations to our winner – Caitlyn from Brimpton Primary School!
£27,500 raised for Parents and Children Together
In the previous edition of Connect, we shared that Parents and Children Together (PACT) was our new charity partner. The Reading-based adoption charity and family support provider helps hundreds of families every year through adoption, support services and community projects across London and the south of England.
We’re now one year into our partnership with PACT – and during that time, our people have collectively raised an incredible £27,500 for the charity. This is the result of many wonderful fundraising efforts. From independent endeavours to team challenges, we’re proud that our people have worked together to make a difference to such a deserving cause – and we’re not finished there.
AWE exhibition open until December 2025
Our public exhibition at West Berkshire Museum brings our rich history to life in the heart of Newbury. The exhibition is a result of a collaboration with West Berkshire Council, allowing us to share our history as part of our 75th anniversary year.
The creation of the exhibition involved the transfer of a number of artefacts from our Aldermaston site to a dedicated space within the museum, giving members of the public a visual insight like never before into AWE’s mission.
Since opening earlier this year, around 8,000 people have visited the exhibition. If you haven’t yet, it’s open until December 2025. Entry to West Berkshire Museum is free, but donations are welcomed to support the addition of new items, maintain the historic buildings, and conserve collections.
King’s Birthday Honours for three at AWE
Three people from AWE featured in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
Professor Andrew Randewich CBE (for Services to Defence)
John Whitaker OBE (for Services to Defence)
Giles Hartill MBE (for Services to Engineering)
Let’s bust some myths
There are all kinds of weird and wonderful questions and assumptions about our sites and the work that goes on behind the fences. Find out if there really are underground tunnels from AWE Aldermaston to Tadley and beyond…
