Appreciating our apprentices

National Apprentice Week 2024 runs from 5 February to 11 February. It is a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices to shine a light on the positive impact of apprenticeships.

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are paid positions where the employee gains nationally recognised qualifications and hands-on experience.

Whether upskilling a current employee or recruiting fresh talent, apprenticeships can give businesses a competitive edge and reduce the impact of ageing workforces.

The long-term success and growth of any business are reliant on its people. By equipping the right people with the right skills, companies can create a future-proofed workforce to reach their unique goals.

Introducing our apprentices.

We aspire to reach 10 per cent of our workforce in earn-and-learn positions such as apprentices, sponsored students, and graduates on standardised training schemes, by 2030.

Meet some of the many apprentices we currently have with us.

Annalise Irvine - Level 6 Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprentice

Studying at the University of Brighton

I started as an Environmental Performance Apprentice in late September 2023 and felt welcomed by the environment team.

They eagerly took me under their wing, supporting me with all the desktop reports and other documents within the office while also taking me out on many site inspections to help me learn the ropes.

Starting a degree while also starting a new full-time job would be stressful and would push my time management skills; however, the team has given me continued support so that I can balance the two easily.

Despite being here less than six months, I thoroughly enjoy my job and feel valued within my team.

They eagerly took me under their wing, supporting me with all the desktop reports and other documents

Lewis Huston - Level 6 Civil Engineer Degree Apprentice

Studying at the University of Brighton

I joined South East Water as an apprentice a little over five years ago as part of the Engineering team.

During this time, I have enjoyed learning and developing myself toward becoming an Incorporated Engineer with the Institute of Civil Engineers and understanding water treatment and project management.

While at South East Water, I completed a Level 3 Civil Engineering Diploma, and I am now completing a Level 6 Degree apprenticeship in Civil Engineering.

Looking into the future, I plan to complete my Level 6 Apprenticeship, become an Incorporated Engineer with the Institute of Civil Engineers, and continue my development towards Chartership.

During this time, I have enjoyed learning and developing myself

Sophie Bell - Customer Service Specialist Apprentice

Studying at Fareport Training

My apprenticeship gave me a great qualification and work experience that I would have never got elsewhere. It also let me meet many people and create new friendships. I am so much more confident than I was when I started my apprenticeship at South East Water in 2022, and I am currently in a brilliant role thanks to it.

It really provides a sense of achievement, starting from the very bottom and working your way up, progressing and growing with the company. Being the first apprentice in 5 years and receiving distinctions across the board, I now mentor and support the new apprentices who join the company.

To see what apprenticeships we have available, visit https://careers.southeastwater.co.uk/(opens in a new tab)