Rachel

Operations Manager, Labs Technology Centre

Length of time at AWE

I have worked at AWE for 20 years.

How did your career start?         

I joined the AWE graduate scheme after graduating from the University of Swansea with a degree in Chemical Engineering

Tell us about your time at AWE?- What do you do?

My role at the moment is to provide analytical services that keep our people and the environment safe, assure our product and develop new technologies and techniques.

What is the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is the diversity of activities and people that I interact with on a daily basis. I work with a great team of people and it’s such a great feeling when everything comes together to achieve something.

Why is diversity and inclusion so important in STEM industries?              

Without diversity you can get complacent and stop challenging to make improvements. Inclusion ensures that those with new ideas and challenges have a voice.

Why do you think there are so few female in STEM roles?          

I think a lot of it is historical in terms of STEM careers not even being discussed with girls when they are at school. The other element is that there are still very few visible female role models within the STEM industry. I think role models would really help with the perception of engineering and what it involves.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a scientist/engineer?

I think the first step is to find out if anyone you or your parents know is in the STEM industry then go and talk to them. There are so many different STEM jobs and careers out there that you are probably completely unaware of. Just think about all the amazing things that are around you and then think about the people that have made it happen – you could be one of them too!