About AWE

For nearly 70 years, AWE has been at the forefront of nuclear weapons research and production in support of the UK Government’s nuclear defence strategy and the Continuous At-Sea Deterrence. With access to some of the most advanced facilities, technology and manufacturing capabilities, thousands of gifted and talented people are proud of the contribution they make to the nation’s security.

Their specialist facilities and knowledge also support technical research projects for the benefit of the national defence programme and helps to enhance the reputation of UK science. They aim to build enduring relationships with their government customers, international partners, suppliers and communities in the locations where they operate.

They have a proud history at AWE and what they do is as unique as the people who work there. They have some of the best in the business and their people are truly their most valued asset. They work to attract, motivate, develop and retain the best talent and equip their people with the right skills for the future. They are a diverse team of around 5,500 remarkable people, all proud to be part of such an important mission.

What is it like to work for AWE

Wellbeing

66% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

Delivering Stress Awareness talks across the business to allow employees to gain the skillset to recognise and manage symptoms of stress.

Areas of the business such as SET are delivering ‘Stop for Wellbeing’ workshops along the same lines as ‘Stop for Safety’ and they are addressing Stress and Stress management within these, as well as financial wellbeing, physical health etc. This is being replicated elsewhere in the business in key areas including F&BM.

They will be working with their EAP, Unum, to run a series of workshops and training courses, open to every employee in the business, to cover things that can contribute to workplace stress. So, things like mental health in the workplace, cancer in the workplace, fluctuating conditions, musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace, sickness absence management, and gender, health & work. By offering help and support around these common areas of concern, they hope to give employees the tools to support each other and themselves and know where to get help at AWE should they need it.

66% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

Giving Something Back

78% of staff agreed:

My organisation encourages charitable activities

The good causes they support are selected by their employees. Over the years, their colleagues have raised thousands of pounds for charities through events, such as fun runs, quiz nights and cake sales.

Teams at AWE are enjoying a different sort of team building day volunteering in the Thrive garden. ‘Give a Gift Day’ is a recent example of a fundraising activity. A day was devoted for staff to donate clothes for a homeless charity, food for a Christmas food bank and a toy collection for disadvantaged children.

Their AWEsome Education initiative inspire young people across North Hampshire and West Berkshire to take an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - supporting the curriculum at every level from primary through to secondary. They have also introduced a STEM ambassador scheme where they now have around 60 members of staff trained through STEM Learning. The scheme involves over 80 schools and colleges throughout the Newbury, Reading and Basingstoke areas. They provide a wide range of support including the loan of educational equipment; presentations and talks by some of their professors, scientists, graduates and apprentices; and mentoring to suit all age groups.

78% of staff agreed:

My organisation encourages charitable activities

Fair Deal

51% of staff agreed:

I feel I receive fair pay for the responsibilities I have in my job

Celebrate is their central recognition scheme. It is about celebrating remarkable people achieving extraordinary things through displaying the values of Pride, Excellence, Innovation and Trust. It is about exceeding expectations and going above and beyond the day job that they are paid to do. The scheme has been recently reviewed and improved to respond to feedback from Employee Voice and the engagement survey.

A number of different awards are available from a simple ‘thank you’ card (physical and electronic), ‘on the spot’ £50 vouchers to Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. Bronze and silver award winners are presented with a cash award, pin badge and certificate at a quarterly awards ceremony hosted by the CEO.

The most prestigious award is the ‘Gold award.’ Gold award winners are chosen by a panel from the silver awards and in addition to displaying the values must demonstrate significant impact on delivery of the business strategy. This is a black-tie event and includes winner’s partners. It is an opportunity to recognise people for their contribution and highlight examples of exceptional performance. People receiving 40, 50 and 60 years long service awards and their unsung heroes (Heart of Gold Award winners) are also invited to this event. Gold award winners also receive their very own parking spot for a year.

51% of staff agreed:

I feel I receive fair pay for the responsibilities I have in my job

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Holidays

Companies offering a minimum of 26 days annual leave to all employees after one year
Gym

Companies offering either free gym/ sports facilities or subsidised gym membership for all employees
Pensions

Companies offering a final salary scheme to all employees, or one in which the employer's contribution is at least 5%
Maternity

At least 10 weeks’ full pay or generous alternative
Family Friendly

School hours contracts offered to all staff