AWE’s role is to keep the nation safe. The organisation provides a unique contribution to the national security of the UK as the heart of its defence against radiological and nuclear acts of terrorism. Utilising AWE’s advanced computational and experimental capabilities, specialists design and test novel techniques to counter a range of the most serious threats faced by the UK.
The organisation is responsible for manufacturing, maintaining and developing the warheads for Trident, the UK’s ultimate deterrent. AWE also uses their unique technical skills and expertise to support nuclear threat reduction.
AWE are the technical authority for the UK’s radiological and nuclear portal detection network and support the UK Government in its defence against the smuggling of nuclear and radiological materials into the country. The organisation’s Nuclear Threat Reduction (NTR) specialists have developed the specifications for a highly sensitive passive radiation detection system that allows for the identification of tiny variations in the background radiation to find undeclared and concealed radioactive material. AWE collaborates with the international community to develop new systems with greater sensitivity that will ensure the UK border remains safe.
You’ve got the talent, the drive and determination and you have a real desire to keep learning. University just might not be the right option for you. So, what’s the alternative to give you that start in your career? An AWE degree apprenticeship can set you on the right path to becoming a skilled professional: whether it’s engineering, science or one of the corporate business functions.
An apprenticeship is a great way to learn at the same time as earning a proper salary, with all the usual company benefits. You’ll gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst developing personal skills like project management, team-working and presentation skills. And you won’t have to worry about tuition fees or student debts.
AWE has a wide variety of roles to choose from - project management, electronic design, nuclear engineering electrical and mechanical, manufacturing engineering, civil and structural engineering and building services.
“At this early stage the best thing about my job is the amount I have learned and the new things I continue to learn every week. I love education and I am grateful that the company provides such a high standard of education as part of my job. I’ve also made a lot of friends that I am excited to continue working with in future.”
AWE offers a two year Evolve Programme providing graduates with the opportunity to be part of something a little bit special. The organisation focuses on helping and supporting graduates to develop and build strong technical skills to become experts in their chosen fields.
Graduates can choose one of three distinct pathways - engineering, science or business operations.
“AWE is a very respected and reputable establishment. It offers a wide range of potential placements for STEM graduates and allows you to move around the company in such a way that you can really garner experience in areas you’d like to try. I had a friend that did a placement year here, and only had good things to say about his time. That set the bar pretty high for me when I started work, and I’m very happy to say that AWE has surpassed my expectations!
Being a physics graduate, the work that AWE does fascinates me, and there’s vast opportunity to work on things you might never get a chance to do at any other company in the country. I’ve had a long-standing interest in science (since secondary school) and I find my work here fulfils that passion.”