Name: Tom Meir
Age: 28 years
Job Title: Graduate Mechanical Engineer
University attended: Loughborough University
Degree obtained: BSc (Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering

"AWE is undoubtedly the best place to gain specialised engineering knowledge"

Career History

Tom Meir is an Aeronautical engineering graduate currently employed by AWE.

Tom has completed a rotational placement in the Systems department under AWE’s Graduate Programme - a comprehensive and highly structured training scheme focusing on the needs of the individual.

What attracted you to working for AWE?

I was one of those children who always wondered how things worked. I liked to take objects apart and rebuild them - so engineering was a logical career choice from an early age. Prior to graduation, I had already seen the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) featured in various guides and both the work and the organisation itself looked intriguing, so I decided to apply.

Individual focus

AWE’s Graduate Programme comprises a series of three-month rotational placements over a two-year period. The programme is carefully tailored to the needs of the individual with the focus on continuous professional development and the attainment of Chartered status. The first year of the programme includes a series of graduate projects - ranging in scope and diversity from presenting an engineering workshop at a local school to designing a prototype in just two weeks.

The placements provide an important foundation to a career at AWE - rapidly building a valuable understanding of the organisation as a whole. At the end of my training I will have gained experience in Manufacturing, Systems, Assurance, Finance, Infrastructure and Maintenance, and the Drawing Office.

Challenging projects

The depth and quality of training at AWE is truly unrivalled. In addition to my projects and placements, I have also received instruction in health and safety, white technology and unigraphics - all within four months of joining AWE! I also attended a one-week ’outward bound’ Graduate Development course in the Lake District which developed my leadership, teamwork and communication skills considerably and also helped me understand how to motivate others.

However, I don’t want to give the impression that your first two years at AWE are solely confined to training. There is plenty of work to be done here and graduates are included in live projects from the word ’go’. Furthermore, due to the nature of the materials involved, even relatively simple engineering tasks can become challenging and complex problems - making AWE an endlessly fascinating place to work.

Valuable contribution

AWE offers an excellent quality of life as an employer. There are many graduates on site and a thriving graduate network exists throughout the organisation. There is a first-class recreational facility on site at Aldermaston consisting of a gymnasium, six squash courts, a theatre and a bar. Social activities are also regularly organised within departments. The opportunities within AWE are immense. It is undoubtedly the best place to gain specialised engineering knowledge. Furthermore, at AWE you have the satisfaction of knowing that your career not only benefits you personally but also plays a valuable role in the continuing security of your country.