The first new recruits for Severn Trent’s multi-million pound project to install 870 miles of new water pipes have officially started.

The water company is investing £415 million into the scheme for the benefit of homes and businesses across the region – one of the largest projects in the UK’s water network in over a decade.

Around 440 new jobs are being created to serve the whole Severn Trent region and recently the first group of new team members have begun their journey with the company.

The first cohort of the new operations team have started their training which saw them introduced to the scheme, meet the other new starters, find out the new benefits it will create for customers, as well as being issued with PPE.

The new pipes, made from modern material, are expected to last around 100 years, meaning better quality, fewer leaks, and a more reliable supply of water for decades to come.

Rodney Thomas, Network Construction Manager, who has been part of Severn Trent for over 30 years and will be joining the project, said:

“When I first started as a contractor, this is what I was doing. The mains that we were putting in thirty years ago, we’re replacing them now. This a complete legacy for me now.”

Aside from the new jobs created, the mains renewal will mean customers will have a more resilient water supply to maintain the best quality for years to come.

Paul Rothera, Mains Renewal Project Director, commented:

“This is a huge project, one of the largest of its kind in 10 years, that will provide massive benefits for customers for generations to come.

“To do this, we are assembling a brand-new team for this to go ahead, with some who have been at the company for many years, but also those who are new to the industry.

“We are pleased to be creating so many new jobs and providing new starters with a chance to work on such a major project for the region and look forward to welcoming them all to the Severn Trent family over the next few weeks and months.”