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Alex

Machinist Apprentice

How long have you worked at AWE?
Six Months

Why did you choose an apprenticeship over other career routes?
It offered an opportunity to further my knowledge, skills and experience within an engineering environment. As well as allowing me to further my education without restricting on my ability to work.

Why did you choose AWE?
I chose AWE because it offers apprenticeships in various fields and disciplines with opportunities to specialise in unique fields of engineering and science.  My expectations were that I would be able to learn new things and develop my knowledge and skills and so far, the apprenticeship has lived up to those expectations and more. My impression was good it was good to see a well-structured schedule and layout for the apprenticeship.

Tell us about your time at AWE?
I currently work in the Skills Academy alongside other apprentices and instructors. What we do daily changes depending on the project we are working on.  We work with a variety of equipment from hand tools to manual and CNC machining with a range of projects.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the wide range of projects that require different skills and allow development of skills and capabilities. The most rewarding part of my job is to see the end product and how it all comes together as part of a bigger project.
I have worked with a variety of different people from different trades for events but daily it is other machinists’ maintenance and quality inspectors.  I have learned a wide range of new skills and methods of completing a task as well as new ways to think about problems.

How do you see your career progressing?
I would like to try to earn my specialisms as an electro-mechanical engineer as well as continuing to further my education. In five years’, time I see myself working out on site to fulfil my role as part of the company to ensure we achieve our core purpose.

What are the benefits of AWE?
The pay is good for an apprentice but more importantly I’m able to go to college/university without having to worry about student debt. Another benefit is the support to develop within your field of work whilst getting assistance from mentors and tutors.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining AWE?
My advice is to do your best, be honest and have a positive attitude to learning and developing.

 

Latest news

Latest News

Celebrating Ada Lovelace – the worlds’ first computer programmer 

Last week, in Ada Lovelace’s honour, a passionate team from AWE welcomed around 70 enthusiastic Year 6 students and their teachers to a STEM event to celebrate science, creativity and resilience.   In the early 19th century, long before the digital age, Ada Lovelace laid the groundwork for modern computing. Born in 1815, Ada was fascinated by mathematics […]

Press Releases

Office for Nuclear Regulation investigation findings

Today, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) announced its investigation findings following the fatality of a Balfour Beatty employee in 2023, who was working in a construction enclave on AWE’s Aldermaston site.

A commemorative display in a grand room with marble columns and historic portraits, showcasing AWE's 75-year timeline of nuclear security technologies from the 1940s to the present, under the slogan 'Proud of our past. Prepared for the future.'

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75 Years of AWE: A landmark innovation showcase

On 16 October, AWE marked a major milestone in its history with the ‘AWE75: Proud of our past. Prepared for our future.’ event at the Institution of Civil Engineers, London. The event saw over 100 guests from across government, academia and the defence community gather to commemorate AWE’s legacy and look ahead to our future.

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