b'Partner News Winter 2020 35CorporateSo, importantly, its what the FutureThere is no doubt that engineering is vital Careers team are doing now that will bearnot just to business growth and the future fruit for our graduates after they outturntalent pipeline, but also to the stability and from the graduate programme; and itsprosperity of the UKs economy and its role at that point, they can really start toglobally.drive their careers with us in ways that reflect their aspirations and those of theFuture careers employees play a vital role company, says Greg McNally, Head ofat AWE; these are the engineers, scientists Profession for Mechanical Engineering. and leaders of the future. Its important we invest in our graduates and apprentices Why engineering and whyto ensure we have the right skills now does it matter? and in the future and excite and inspire AWEs enduring engineering capabilitythe next generation. We are continuously is critical to its ability to underwrite theevaluating and improving our programmes performance, reliability and safety ofto make sure they are dynamic, engaging nuclear warheads, as is the companysand building the right skills, knowledge, obligation in advising and providingbehaviour and capability to drive us guidance to UK Government in areas offorward and ensure the success of our national security. mission, says Sharon Steed, HR Leadership and Talent Team.AWE graduate warhead engineer, Jake Osborne, says, AWE is a great companyFind out more at: awe.co.ukto start your career; its understanding ofFollow us on Twitter @AWE_plca work-life balance is excellent, whilst still able to support you in your training to becoming a chartered engineer. The grad programme gives you a good variety of placements to really see all aspects of the business.In the summer, AWE marked International Women in Engineering Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of female engineers worldwide. With over 1m women in core STEM related roles, and 500,000 women in engineering across the UKalmost double the number a decade agothe world of engineering is becoming increasingly diverse and inclusive. While this is an achievement in itself, it represents only 12% of engineering roles undergraduate placement students fromoccupied by women and the UK holds the all over the UK. This means giving themlowest percentage of female engineers inIts important weevery bit of support and encouragement inEurope. Clearly this needs to change. invest in our graduates helping fulfil their ambitions and aspirations during their careers with us. To do this, ourWe recognise, through our well- and apprenticesinvestment in future careers remains anestablished apprenticeship scheme andto ensure we have the area of significant focus for AWE againstGraduate Development Programme, the the backdrop of a national skills shortageneed to spread the message about theright skills nowin all areas of engineering. This makes ourrange of opportunities and possibilitiesand in the future, and challenge to attract and retain the best anda career in engineering at AWE can offer.excite and inspirebrightest talent, even greater. We are committed to inspiring current and future generations to be part of AWE atthe next generation.The investments were making in developingwhat is an exciting time for the company, our engineering graduates are based onsays Andy Stead, Engineering and Science. current and future capability requirements of the business. The core aspect of ourEngineering gives AWE the opportunity development that remains constant is,to make fascinating innovations and What does an engineer at AWE need todiscoveries that are fundamental to the look like in three or four years from now? companys engineers and national defence.'