Yorkshire Water will be creating 160 apprenticeships over the next five years in the biggest scheme of its kind ever launched by the company.
Yorkshire Water’s Esholt waste water treatment works was the location for an event to mark the launch of the scheme. Recruitment will commence in May - the majority of the new positions will be in operational roles
The new skilled recruits will also ensure Yorkshire Water is prepared for a skills gap being predicted in the utility sector by 2025[1], partly caused by an ageing workforce. With almost one in five (18.3%) 18-24 year olds across Yorkshire not in education, employment or training (NEETs), the announcement is welcome news for the region.
Richard Flint, Yorkshire Water CEO, said:
“Many people may not be aware just what a diverse range of skills we have within the company – from qualified engineers to geologists to our talented operators.
“In fact, we have some of the most skilled colleagues that you’ll find in any industry and it’s so important to us as a business that we look to preserve this specialist knowledge for the future.
“That’s why we are delighted to announce these 160 apprenticeships, it’s great news for young people and for the Yorkshire economy. Ours is a company that invests in its people and, having joined as a graduate myself, I know there are endless opportunities to progress and develop here.”
While there will be a variety of opportunities in a number of different areas, the focus will be on skilled operational roles to prepare for the retirement of colleagues currently in those positions. This will ensure the technical capability remains high in Yorkshire Water’s workforce and the company’s reliable service continues.
The latest recruitment drive from Yorkshire Water will be on the back of recruiting 59 apprentices over the past five years.
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