Holly

Materials Scientist

How long have you worked at AWE?
Since September 2017

Tell us about your time at AWE?
I joined AWE in September 2017 as a MAS Laboratory Technician Apprentice. During my two-year course I worked within three separate teams on placements.
During my apprenticeship I attended college one day a week where I studied a Level 3 BTEC in applied science. The rest of the working week was spent on site working within the team I was based and carrying out additional training courses.  I carried out a whole range of different work from shadowing other member of the team, helping out with projects, learning how to use pieces of equipment on my own and I even had my own project to deliver in one placement.
Now I have successfully completed my apprenticeship I work full time in a team as a materials scientist carrying out my own analysis on materials to certify them for use. There’s a whole range of different tests I carry out including various titrations and physical tests. Alongside this I am also training for an additional role to carry out alongside my day job.

Why did you choose AWE for your apprenticeship?
I chose to do an apprenticeship over going to university or working full time because the teaching style within a university just doesn’t suit my learning style, but I wanted to carry on learning whilst making money so this was the perfect choice as it balanced both.
I chose to do my apprenticeship at AWE because the course was exactly what I was looking for and the work that the company do and the opportunities that are available here are amazing and so unique.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The opportunities that have been made available to me here is the best part about my job. I have been here just over two years and in that time I have completed my own research project, worked on other high level projects that have had an impact to the wider business, worked on an international project, been trained up and carry out my own analysis to certify components and I’m currently being trained up to fulfil another position alongside my job which is also extremely interesting.

What are the benefits?
The opportunities here are amazing! There are so many chances to get involved in different projects and be part of interesting, unique and rewarding work. There’re also some additional benefits such as the 9-day fortnight and a good annual leave allowance.

How do you see your career progressing?
I want my career to progress over the next few years and to be an accomplished analyst and be knowledgeable about both the practical and theoretical side of my role. I also want to be fully trained in my additional role and in general contributing to the company and improving my knowledge base.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining AWE apprenticeship scheme?
My two best pieces of advice would be, take every opportunity that’s given to you and never be afraid to ask questions.
The opportunities that are given here can be interesting and can even lead onto different things and additional opportunities which may not have been available without the first one. So I would definitely suggest being keen and taking advantage of the opportunities that you get presented with.
I know everyone always says never be afraid to ask questions and it’s talked about a lot, but I really do stand by it. I have asked an unbelievable amount of questions during my apprenticeship (and still do now) and feel like I have learnt so much due to this. Many of the people are more than happy to help, very knowledgeable about what it is that they’re doing and do actually enjoy talking about their work and explaining it to someone.