Partnering for National Defence
Working together to deliver the mission.
Through strategic alliances, collaborative research, and investment in future talent, AWE continues to drive innovation and deliver impact.
We want to expand our links with academia and industry to support the future of national defence and security. If you wish to find out more about AWE’s collaborations and want to come and work with us, please contact the External Technical Partnerships Office (ETPO): [email protected].
Explore how we’re working together to build a secure, skilled and resilient future.
This year, we proudly commemorate 75 years since AWE commenced work on the UK’s deterrent programme at Aldermaston. Our purpose throughout this time has been the same, and has never been more important – to protect the UK through nuclear science and technology.
Read the full introduction.
Nick Elliott CB MBE
AWE CEO
As we reflect on another year of innovation, collaboration and growth in support of AWE’s mission, it is with immense pride that in this report we celebrate our key partners and our people, who play a vital role in our mission and the wider defence enterprise.
Read the full foreword.
Mandy Savage
AWE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENGINEERING & P3M
Academic Partnerships
Our experts and specialists, some of whom are world renowned, collaborate with universities across the UK.
Together, we deliver research projects, create innovations, and pursue new opportunities to benefit national defence and advance the Government’s STEM agenda. Our relationships with academia are essential for enhancing AWE’s technical programme, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and bridging the gap between theory and practice.
In the next five years, AWE will be launching up to 10 Centres of Excellence to deliver strategic and collaborative R&D across academic institutions, national laboratories, Catapult centres and industry.
AWE’s involvement through the IDEAS Board and student projects has been key in aligning our engineering programmes with industry needs and future skills.
Industrial Collaboration
Industrial partnerships are fundamental to AWE’s approach to external engagement and building our defence and security capabilities, whilst also benefiting the UK economy and skills pool nationwide.
AWE has a number of different collaborative agreements with industry, each of which is designed to support our mission through effective partnering and shared ambitions. Our partnerships are also providing AWE with access to the UK supply chain and expertise to support the requirements of our work and capability – now and in the future.
CASE STUDIES
AWE is a member of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE), a partnership of organisations including the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO), Royal Navy and Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) that operate, maintain, renew and sustain the UK’s Continuous-at-Sea Deterrent – delivering nuclear capability that deters threat and protects the nation.
Read the full case study.
The AWE-UKNNL collaboration focusses on mutual support and collaboration for critical national security programmes, while simultaneously developing advanced nuclear skills essential for achieving Britain’s nuclear objectives.
As part of this collaboration, UKNNL has developed a bespoke solution for processing AWE material, enabling safer long-term storage.
Read the full case study.
Business Partnerships
AWE has strategic business partnerships with organisations, institutions and the supply chain across the UK, delivering value in our operations, practices, processes, new build and infrastructure projects.
These relationships are essential for ensuring AWE’s continued commitment to the delivery of our mission and providing maximum impact for the benefit of the UK.
We work with our regulators to ensure we continue to comply with the highest standards of safety and security in everything we do. The support of our recognised Trade Unions is equally important in representing the interests of our people and championing their welfare.
Investing in future skills and talent
Our flagship early careers programme partners with leading universities across the UK to hire the next generation of talent and leaders across AWE for our Evolve Graduate Scheme and Year-in-Industry Programme.
Meanwhile, AWE’s Apprenticeship Programme varies from Level 2 to Level 6 Bachelor’s degree covering a spectrum of skills; from engineering to project management.
Candidates learn the skills and behaviours that will set them up for the future, all while earning a qualification and contributing to AWE’s mission.
The National Endeavour
AWE’s partnerships across government and multiple agencies are vital to supporting the National Endeavour, underpinning a concerted and continued commitment to the defence and security of the UK.