South West Water is building the future with record number of apprentices

05th February 2021

South West Water is marking the start of National Apprenticeship Week with a commitment to offering 500 new apprenticeships in the next five years.

Since the introduction of the Government apprenticeship levy in 2017, the company has fully funded over 400 apprenticeships in a wide variety of roles and now has 140 current apprentices.

In November 2020, South West Water became the first company in the South West, and the first water company, to support 50 placements through the Government’s Kickstart programme, designed to improve social mobility.

The scheme funds six-month paid jobs to provide fully funded opportunities for 16-24 year olds who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment, to gain valuable work experience.

South West Water also uniquely announced a further incentive of a £500 bonus for each person who completes a placement in addition to comprehensive training and support.

Nigel Fenn MBE, Head of People, Projects and Planning, said: “At the heart of any great business are the people who work in it and as a company we're passionate about providing opportunities to young people in the South West.

“We’re looking to fill up to 50 operational roles by September 2021, with some of these roles live for applicants during National Apprenticeship Week 2021.

“We believe that by investing in the future of our region, we're not only improving the quality of life for today's residents and visitors but are also taking responsibility for future generations.”

Antony Hamilton joined South West Water as a laboratory apprentice last year after losing his job as an aircraft engineer. He said: “When I saw the advert for a laboratory apprentice, I leapt at the chance to join a company that supports my local area and the environment.

“I’m very much enjoying my new role and couldn’t be happier with the way things have turned out. I’m looking forward to a progressive career path with South West Water.”

Digital Communications Assistant, Katy Lambert, completed her apprenticeship before securing a full-time position last year. She said: “Doing an apprenticeship was a great gateway for me into full-time employment with South West Water. Getting paid whilst working and learning was very appealing to me and now, thanks to that opportunity, I have a qualification in digital marketing and a job that I love.”

To find out more about South West Water’s apprenticeship roles visit southwestwater.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships/

National Apprenticeship Week 2021 runs from 8-14 February 2021.