National Apprenticeship Week is celebrated each year, taking place this year between 10 and 16 February.
This week brings businesses and apprentices together, to celebrate the value, benefit and opportunity apprenticeships bring; helping individuals develop rewarding careers and gaining skills for life.
There’s so much room for progression in the water industry. At South East Water, we encourage our employees to create and pursue opportunities for professional and personal development, and we keep and nurture the talent within our business.
So, let’s take a deeper dive into apprenticeships.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where you can learn and gain valuable experiences from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) up to Level 7 (Masters Degree equivalent).
Who can apply?
✅People over the age of 16.
✅People in the early stages of their career.
✅People looking for a career change.
✅People wanting to develop in their current role.
What are the benefits of an apprenticeship?
- Gain hands-on experience working alongside industry experts in a real-world environment.
- Receive support and learning aids while developing job-specific skills and enhancing your employability.
- Earn an industry-recognized qualification.
- 97 per cent of apprentices report improved job performance.
- 92 per cent of working apprentices confirm the program positively impacted their career.
The 5% Club Apprentices and Graduates - Investing in a generation.
We are very proud members of The 5% Club. This means that we’re committed to 5 per cent of our workforce being in earn and learn positions, including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formalised training schemes.
Development is more than just progression within the business, it’s empowering you to grow both on a personal and professional level.
In 2024, we had a total of 71 apprentices earning and learning with South East Water. We upskilled 45 employees, which means existing South East Water employees who were enrolled onto an apprenticeship for career development, and we recruited 26 new apprentices into our business.
We know the future of our business relies on new talent.
Let’s meet some of our apprentices…
Ben Baker
Civil Engineering Apprentice at South East Water.
What does a working week look like for you?
My schedule involves four days of work at South East Water, and one day of college for my studies.
What made you start your apprenticeship at South East Water?
Previously, I worked as a bricklayer, but I was eager to find a new challenge. Coming from a hands-on background, I was initially concerned about transitioning to an office environment and working in larger teams. However, my colleagues quickly eased my worries with their friendly and helpful interactions. Even in my first week, many of them introduced themselves, offered support, and checked on how I was settling in. Having both a line manager and a mentor available for guidance has been reassuring. I never expected to feel so valued at a company of this size.
What has been a particular highlight in your role?
he regular South East Water site visits to the Water Treatment Works, Service Reservoirs, and active construction sites. These visits have given me a deeper understanding of the company's operations and the water treatment process. Additionally, I've had the opportunity to spend time with different departments, learning how they contribute to the overall operation. I found the shadowing placement with the customer service team particularly interesting, as I learned about the systems in place to support vulnerable customers.
What would you like to say to anyone considering an apprenticeship with South East Water?
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I'm excited to continue my journey with South East Water. I would thoroughly recommend an apprenticeship opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining skills for life.
George Hogben
Production Technician Apprentice at South East Water.
When and why did you join South East Water?
Starting this apprenticeship with South East Water in September 2023 at 25 years old was a big change, and not something I initially envisioned for myself. However, it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made professionally.
Before this, I worked in retail for 9 years, starting at the age of 16. While my current role can be complex at times and has its challenges, overall, I find it very rewarding.
What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?
I particularly enjoy the freedom that comes with the job. I have my own work van and often work alone in remote locations (which is especially nice during the summer). The work-life balance is excellent, and the hours are well-suited to my life now, especially as I'm expecting twins in May!.
Grow a career with a meaningful purpose, gain qualifications, be you and be valued🤝
We have a variety of apprenticeships available in our business, across lots of departments. Our apprenticeship vacancies are constantly being updated to meet our changing needs and new qualification standards.
Application tips📝
It's great that you're taking the time to think about what you need to prepare for when it comes to application, and even an interview.
We get it, applying for something new can be scary. That’s why we want to help support you the best we can. Here(opens in a new tab) you can find tips for writing your CV and what to expect in an interview.
Sounds like an apprenticeship with South East Water might be a good move for you? Browse our current vacancies.(opens in a new tab)
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