Diversity drives innovation at AWE
At AWE, our mission demands exceptional thinking and collaboration. The challenges we solve are complex, the responsibilities we carry are significant, and the solutions we deliver rely on bringing together people with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.
That is why creating an environment where everyone feels they belong is more than an aspiration- it is fundamental to our success.
We believe that diverse teams bring broader perspectives, challenge assumptions and strengthen decision-making. By fostering a culture where people feel valued and respected, we are creating the conditions for innovation to thrive and for individuals to reach their potential.
Below are just a few examples of the diversity initiatives that we champion in our Engineering function, as well as highlighting some of our award winners.
Career transition scheme in One Engineering
The Engineering Foundation Scheme is a first for AWE and unique in the UK. It allows experienced professionals with drive, ambition and the right attitude – but no formal engineering experience or qualifications – to join AWE and receive training, development and mentoring to become qualified engineers.
People with a wide range of backgrounds bring different perspectives that challenge our traditional ways of thinking and approaches to problem solving. Offering an opportunity to people whose career choices have taken them down a different path supports our enduring commitment to social mobility. Looking beyond AWE, increasing the number of qualified engineers will help address a chronic skills shortage, which can only be a good thing for the national endeavour and UK plc.
Project Elevate takes off
Project Elevate is our first, large-scale work experience programme, taking place across two cohorts, focused on giving students unique insight into AWE’s mission and people, plus our emerging talent opportunities.
Unlike traditional work experience placements, Project Elevate exposes students to multiple functions. By combining technical learning, teamwork, problem-solving and presentation skills, the programme helps Year 12 students develop the confidence and skills for their future careers, whilst showcasing the diverse career paths available.
Throughout the week, students worked in teams on an exciting rocket design and production challenge, designed and led by our own graduates, apprentices and Year in Industry students.
Celebrating Equality: Phil Powner Wins Women in Engineering Society Men as Allies Award
Congratulations to Phil Powner who won the Men as Allies Award at the Women in Engineering Society awards. Phil has served as co-chair of AWE’s Gender Balance Employee Resource Group for three years and has championed equality, diversity & inclusion since 2016. Phil has led initiatives to improve working conditions for women, mentored individuals across the company, and introduced our annual Ada Lovelace event- now in its fourth year. The aim of this event is to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) to girls from schools in the local area. This includes a series of experiments, activities and demonstrations run by AWE’s own female scientists, engineers and STEM Ambassadors.
Christopher Smeeth receives the prestigious L B Lambert Award
Congratulations to Christopher Smeeth who has been awarded Fellowship of the Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC) and received the prestigious L B Lambert Award.
The L B Lambert Award is presented in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the engineering profession, making this a remarkable week of achievement for Christopher and a testament to the impact he has made throughout his career.
Christopher is neurodiverse, and is a superb advocate for fellow neurodiverse colleagues. He has long been a passionate advocate for professional registration and engineering excellence, encouraging others to develop their careers and gain professional recognition.
Looking ahead
As we continue to deliver for national security, attracting, developing and retaining a talented and diverse range of people remains essential. Creating an inclusive culture is vital to achieving our mission.
By championing belonging, embracing diverse perspectives and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive, we are building a stronger organisation for the future and ensuring that every individual flourishes.
