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Apprentices in the water industry

Hear from current apprentices about what it's like to work in the water sector and why it’s so rewarding.

People of all ages and backgrounds are attracted to working in the water industry because of the variety of roles on offer. By 2030, the sector is set to recruit 50,000 people which includes up to 5,000 apprentices over the next five years – a 25% increase. You might expect to see engineers and technicians, but there are also roles in human resources, data science, surveying and developer services - to name just a few.

Apprentices across the water industry consistently highlight the opportunity to learn on the job while gaining practical skills and working towards their qualifications. Many speak positively about the supportive culture, where colleagues are welcoming and questions are encouraged. Apprentices feel they have become more confident through taking courses, visiting sites and learning from more experienced colleagues. 

With water companies located across the UK anyone looking for new skills and opportunities can find out more about apprenticeships from their local water company. 

Higher Level Apprentice – Science, Northern Ireland Water

Ciara

Ciara discovered her role at an apprenticeship fair during Northern Ireland National Apprenticeship Week. Since joining, she has completed a range of training courses, including water safety and fire safety. Before starting work in the lab, she visited both clean and wastewater sites which helped her understand the different parts of the industry and how they work together. For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Ciara's advice is to research into the role and talk to people in the field to make sure it's the right fit for you.

 

NI
Anglian apprentice

Wastewater Treatment Technician, Anglian Water

Alfred

Alfred currently works closely with a team of treatment technicians and says he was “completely unaware of the scale and workload of the water industry.” Alfred advises anyone considering an apprenticeship to take the opportunity, noting that the learning opportunities help develop both knowledge and hands-on skills that may not be gained elsewhere.

NWG apprentice

Customer Engagement Assistant, Northumbrian Water

Jessica

Jessica enjoys learning about new developments in the industry, such as smart meters and lead replacement. Her main hope is to continue developing her skills and progress within the company after completing her apprenticeship. Her advice to others is to "go for it!" She has loved every stage and gained so much valuable work experience.

Affinity Apprentice

Apprentice Production Technician, Affinity Water

Benjamin

Benjamin is currently shadowing his team members and has gained a lot of knowledge in a short time. He values the opportunity to work towards qualifications in both electrical and mechanical engineering. One of the biggest surprises for him has been the wide variety of tasks involved in the role, with each day bringing new learning experiences.

It's a great way to gain new skills whilst working and securing yourself a long term career.

Benjamin / Production Technician Apprentice
Human Resources Apprentice, Severn Trent

Yaawa

Yaawa first learned about the opportunities at Severn Trent during sixth form, when former students who were working at the company visited to share their experiences. Their stories inspired her to apply. She enjoys working with a wide range of people, from work experience students to colleagues and external stakeholders. Yaawa has also had many opportunities to visit sites and see the frontline teams in action. She says she is “absolutely loving” her apprenticeship and sees herself building a long-term career at Severn Trent.

Yaawa Makalo
Affinity Apprentice

Apprentice Customer Service Technician, Affinity Water

Freddie

Freddie's role involves attending customer appointments, which can range from investigating high water consumption to locating potential leaks. He enjoys working alongside different people as everyone has their own approach to tasks and unique ways of interacting with customers. Freddie hopes to become a fully qualified technician and progress into a managerial role.

Yorkshire apprentice

Data Science Apprentice, Yorkshire Water

Callum

Callum feels fortunate to work with so many different departments and was surprised by how much goes into delivering clean water and treating waste. He hopes to develop his skills in project management, with the aim of one day moving into a team lead role. His advice to others is not to be afraid of failure as working through mistakes is an important part of growth.

Apprentice

Emergency Preparedness Apprentice, Yorkshire Water

Eason

Eason was attracted to the opportunity to develop practical skills while studying. He dedicates a part of his day to university responsibilities which includes attending support sessions with his academic lead. Seeing the wider operations of the water industry has helped him better understand the scale and importance of his work, and he hopes to build a long-term career at Yorkshire Water.

Become the CEO of asking questions - at Yorkshire Water, no question is silly.

Eason / Emergency Preparedness Apprentice
Quantity Surveyor Apprentice, Anglian Water

Lewis

Lewis found his apprenticeship through the Anglian Water @one Alliance LinkedIn page and was drawn to the opportunity to work on projects that positively impact society. He enjoys the role's variety and the chance to learn about the industry’s scale and collaborative nature. After qualifying as a Quantity Surveyor, he hopes to move into a management role and mentor other apprentices. His advice is: “Get involved with work experience, extra qualifications and volunteering events related to the industry to stand out."

Lewis Collins
Anglian apprentice

Water Recycling Maintenance Technician, Anglian Water

Louis

For Louis, no two days are the same as he works across a wide range of locations, each with its own unique systems. His day includes maintaining, repairing and optimising electrical and mechanical systems to keep water facilities running safely. He encourages others to sign up, noting that the company offers paid learning and a valuable opportunity to build experience in the industry.

Apprentice

Higher Level Apprentice – Construction Engineer, Northern Ireland Water

Luke

Luke wanted to work in a role that delivers the infrastructure communities rely on every day. He is currently supporting the planning and coordination of projects like the Ballydougan Service Reservoir. From being deep in the technical detail to being on-site watching progress unfold, he says his apprenticeship has provided an "excellent environment to learn and grow."

NWG apprentice

Water Production Operator, Northumbrian Water

Robert

Robert has been shadowing colleagues which has included working on site and conducting water samples to check everything is running smoothly. He feels well supported and on completing his apprenticeship, he hopes to secure a full-time role. His advice to others is to ask plenty of questions to find out if it is the right route for you.

I have loved every minute of it so far. Everyone I've met and talked to has been happy to answer my questions.

Robert / Water Production Operator
Project Engineering Apprentice, Thames Water

Faris

Faris’s week includes project scoping, contractor engagement and hands-on site activity, offering him a fast-paced and varied experience. He is already supporting and leading multiple maintenance projects while studying Construction and the Built Environment at university. He says he values the hands-on nature of the projects and the opportunity to see real impact on both customers and the environment. 

Apprentice
Apprentice

Developer Services Estimator, Northumbrian Water

Mohsin

Mohsin has been really enjoying working in the water industry so far, with the most rewarding part being the continuous learning on the job. He says there have been plenty of opportunities to develop new skills along the way. For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Mohsin says "Go for it! Everyone is willing to help and very welcoming."

Apprentice

Graduate Management Trainee, Southern Water

Jacob

Jacob’s graduate scheme includes a Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship course. His interest in environmental issues made joining the company an easy choice. He has quickly gained confidence and can now discuss complex topics with both industry professionals and those less familiar with the field. His advice is “the more you put in, the more you’ll set yourself up for a successful career.”

Apprentice

Assistant Project Manager, Southern Water

Lilly

As an Assistant Project Manager, Lilly’s day involves coordinating project activities, reviewing programmes and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Lilly has completed several relevant courses that has helped her understand her responsibilities and the wider business. She hopes to continue progressing within Southern Water and become a project manager.

Colleagues are always happy to help and explain what they do, which has been especially beneficial since I came from outside the industry.

Lilly / Assistant Project Manager
Data Protection Apprentice, Northumbrian Water

Grace

Grace has gained valuable insight into the wider business through a wide range of opportunities such as visiting reservoirs, attending events and meeting their CEO. She hopes to work her way up within the organisation and continue developing along the data protection route. Her advice is to other is take your time, enjoy learning from people with more experience, and don’t feel pressured to know everything.

Grace Rispin-Brown
Apprentice

Treatment Process Technician, Wessex Water

Lee

Lee chose an apprenticeship because it offers a structured learning path, helping him understand the technical side while also gaining a national qualification. He says it's "the best job I ever had" and working with different teams has given him a real understanding of how to drive improvements. His advice for others is to see apprenticeships as an “investment in yourself.”

Apprentice

Technical Operator Apprentice, Severn Trent

Tyler

Tyler started his apprenticeship learning the basics alongside experienced operators and gaining an understanding of how the treatment works. He now helps run the site on shifts, ensuring everything operates safely and to standard. Tyler hopes to progress at Severn Trent and says an apprenticeship can open a lot of doors. His advice is to "be proactive and ask questions.”

Apprentice

ICT Apprentice, Portsmouth Water

Laura

Laura says no two days are the same with a mix of new projects, technical tasks and managing incoming support tickets. Laura particularly enjoys supporting colleagues across the business and her goal is to become a fully qualified IT Technician. Laura would love to progress within Portsmouth Water as she thoroughly enjoys both the work and the people she works with.

For anyone considering a career change later in life, take the leap - I did and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

Laura / ITC Apprentice
Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician, Southern Water

Cameron

Cameron was immediately drawn to an apprenticeship because of the focus on continuous learning and personal development. He values the company culture at Southern Water, noting, “I can tell that teamwork is key here and have felt really looked out for as a first-year apprentice.” Cameron is keen to further develop his skills and make a positive contribution to his team and the business. He describes his apprenticeship as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

Cameron
Apprentice

Project Management Apprentice, Thames Water

Georgiana

Georgiana works in the mains replacement team, helping to deliver Thames Water’s biggest upgrade in 150 years. She says she works with a great team and a supportive cohort, making the experience a really positive one. She adds that being able to put into practice what she studies has helped her build her knowledge and confidence.

Affinity Apprentice

Apprentice Customer Service Technician, Affinity Water

Nathan

Nathan assists with customer delivery which includes attending customer appointments and supporting network operations. Interacting with customers daily has boosted his confidence and his manager has ensured that he experiences all aspects of the job, including visiting sites and gaining insight into the company’s broader operations.

Apprentice

Water Utilities Apprentice, Northern Ireland Water

Ben

During Ben's five rotations, he was paired with a buddy to shadow their day-to-day tasks and gain experience. Ben hopes to help as many people as possible throughout his career and contribute to projects that make a real difference. He says doing an apprenticeship was one of the best decisions he has made and and one that makes him look forward to Mondays.

Contact your local water company to find out about the apprenticeships they offer