Twenty-one new apprentices join South West Water

06th October 2015

South West Water has welcomed twenty-one enthusiastic individuals to its award-winning apprenticeship programme.

The most recent intake brings to 85 the total number of apprentices who have joined South West Water since 2011.

Head of Organisational Development, Nigel Fenn, said: "In 2010 we identified a serious skills gap with 40% of our operational  employees likely to retire within 10 years.  We introduced apprentices as part of our workforce development plan to grow a qualified workforce and ensure we continue to deliver the high quality services our customers expect."

Working in a variety of business support roles and Drinking Water Services the apprentices will learn while they work while also establishing their future career.

 New Drinking Water Services Apprentice, Georgina Butterworth, 17, said 'I liked the idea of working outdoors and having the opportunity to have on-the-job training and try a variety of different roles."

James Millington, 18, who recently finished his exams at Falmouth Sixth Form College, said: 'Generally I like being outdoors, out in the environment and with this job I knew I would be doing that. I was also really interested in finding out more about how our water systems work."

Hollie Ailsby-Fish, 19, Procurement Apprentice said: ''I chose an apprenticeship scheme with South West Water instead of university because the opportunity of earning while learning and gaining practical relevant experience within the job role was something I couldn't turn down. Through joining the apprenticeship scheme I have the chance to gain a recognised qualification while kick starting my career in procurement - both of which will benefit me in the long-run.''

Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on the South West Water website at southwestwater.co.uk/apprenticeships.

Published: 06 October 2015