2026 AWE Defence Industry Early Careers Engineering Prize winner announced 

In partnership with the Worshipful Company of Engineers and the Engineers Trust, AWE is proud to announce India Skelt as the winner of the 2026 Defence Industry Early Careers Engineering Prize. 

Presented by HRH The Princess Royal, the award recognises outstanding early-career engineers whose work is making a significant impact within the defence sector. India was honoured for her exceptional engineering contributions in support of AWE’s mission and national security objectives. 

India, a Mechanical Engineer at AWE, led the rapid stand-up of a unique proof load testing (PLT) capability for critical containers, an option not previously available anywhere else in the defence nuclear enterprise. 

Delivered end-to-end in just five months, the new capability removed a major bottleneck affecting the safe introduction of containers into service. It now plays a key role in supporting the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD), improving both efficiency and safety assurance. 

Driving innovation in early careers engineering 

Commenting on the award, Martin Gilmore, AWE Chief Technologist, said: 

“India’s achievement is an excellent example of the innovation and impact early-career engineers can deliver. Her ability to bring together technical expertise, determination and collaboration to overcome a complex challenge in such a short timeframe is particularly impressive. AWE extends its thanks to the Worshipful Company of Engineers and the Engineers Trust for their continued support in celebrating these achievements across industry.” 

Celebrating emerging talent in defence 

Launched in 2024, the AWE Defence Industry Early Careers Engineering Prize recognises early-career engineers driving innovation in defence. It is one of several awards presented annually by the Worshipful Company of Engineers. 

Applications for the 2027 prize will open later this year, offering another opportunity to spotlight emerging talent in defence engineering. Please keep an eye out for further details.