Southern Water is looking to take on more than 90 graduates and apprentices before the end of 2026 – three times last year’s total.
Photo: Apprentice Christopher Taylor
As National Apprenticeship Week kicks off (Feb 9 – 15), the company has announced it is boosting its investment in new talent to tackle industry skills shortages.
People Development Manager Richard Griffiths said:
“As a sector, we know we need to fill some 50,000 roles before 2030 to deliver our biggest-ever investment in infrastructure. Graduates and apprentices, who bring fresh energy and valuable transferable experience, are key to meeting those goals. Southern Water offers a springboard for those new to the industry to explore a broad range of careers, with more than 88 per cent of our externally-recruited apprentices going on to find permanent roles in the company.”
A total of 135 people are currently studying apprenticeships across the business, in roles in project management, environmental practice, programme delivery and mechanical and electrical engineering, amongst others. New joiners will develop skills in areas such as AI and Intelligence, Procurement and Asset Maintenance. The cohort includes school-leavers, graduates and career-developers such as 42-year-old Christopher Taylor, an electrician who has been taken on as an apprentice mechanical and electrical engineer.
Christopher recognises he is not ‘your average young person starting their apprenticeship as a school leaver. I’m 42 and have been out in industry already.’ However, he says Southern Water recognised the value of his background and saw his motivation for engineering and willingness to learn.
“I feel that doing an apprenticeship is a great way to learn real engineering skills while doing a role that actually matters. It is not just theory but working on real mechanical and electrical systems in real-world scenarios that have an impact on your community. Southern Water gives you a chance to earn whilst you learn and gain a recognised qualification with hands-on experience, whilst working alongside qualified engineers. I have been fully supported every step of the way so far and feel happy and confident with the beginning of my journey.”
Click here tind out more about Southern Water apprenticeships here
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