Wessex Water is the country’s leading water and sewerage company, serving 2.8 million customers across the south-west of England
At Wessex Water we are investing in new talent, from apprentices to higher-level graduates, including our home-grown talent. We want to guide and inspire the next generation to become industry leaders of the future.
Our employees are at the heart of our business – to ensure we provide excellent customer service while protecting our environment. To that end, we take a holistic approach to our training programmes, allowing our staff greater autonomy to lead their learning. Relevant and industry-led internships allow our business to provide you with the support and guidance to develop your career in a progressive, supporting and innovative environment.
The past 18 months have seen a significant expansion in Wessex Water’s award-winning apprenticeship programmes. We have launched our first higher level apprenticeship in engineering and construction and are now planning to expand and diversify our graduate opportunities. Owing to the progressive nature of our business, the opportunities range from engineers, scientists and civil engineers to water process technicians, construction operatives and customer service advisers, and our training offer is still developing.
Employees such as Cameron, Paul and Harriet (see right) are developing expert skills in a wide range of fields including electrical and mechanical multi-skilled engineering, information technology, civil engineering, design construction, project management and environmental work.
Cameron Wallace
Information services service desk engineer; Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship in Information Technology
How has Wessex Water helped your career? I left college with a Level 3 IT qualification and joined Wessex Water as its first IT apprentice. I’m treated like a full member of the team and get invited to all team meetings. I don’t think I’d have succeeded without colleagues’ support.
What has been the outstanding moment of your apprenticeship?
I became the Bath and Bristol Apprentice of the year 2017.
Can you give us an overview of your job?
I prepare all laptops and PC desktops. To cover a staff shortage, I’ve been placed in a role on the main IT helpdesk.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I would like a nice job offer from my manager at Wessex Water! I’d also like to gain more experience in field IT support.
Paul Charles
Electrical and mechanical multi-skilled engineer; Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrical, Mechanical and Instrumentation
What has your journey been with Wessex Water?
In my first year I worked with the waste mechanical and engineering team while starting my Level 2 Performing Engineering Operatives and Level 3 BTEC in Mechanical Engineering. During year two, I moved to the construction side. Year three, I started my HND in Mechatronics, learning how to strip and overhaul Wessex Water’s assets. In my final year I’ve moved to the technical support group, while continuing with my HND and completing my 17th edition course, which ensures up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship at Wessex Water?
Because I didn’t want to go to university – I wanted practical skills as well as academic. Wessex Water offered me a role where I could “earn and learn” and gain qualifications as well as a lot of practical skills and knowledge.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to continue my passion for engineering and working for Wessex Water, and prove that I am willing to learn more practical skills. I will also apply for a degree.
Harriet Dal Din
Trainee civil engineer;
Higher Level Apprenticeship including HNC in civil engineering and NVQ level 4 in site management
How is your apprenticeship going?
In my first few weeks I was kitted out with my personal protective equipment and provided with health and safety training. I learned that keeping everyone safe is a main priority at Wessex Water. I spent the next few months rotating around the company, learning various roles. Everyone has been really welcoming and treated me with respect. A main benefit of the apprenticeship is definitely the contextual learning and the variety on a day-to-day basis.
What are your aspirations?
I’m still a beginner but I know with the support of the company I can progress and become a project manager in the future. I’ll then have the confidence as a leader to understand the full flow of the company – I already feel like my experiences have helped develop my knowledge.
