A mum and son working at South West Water have both followed the apprentice route more than three decades apart.
Kate Sprake joined the business in 1994 as a Business and Finance apprentice, earning £29.50 a week.
This National Apprenticeship Week, her son Charlie has just completed his Information Communications Technician apprenticeship in Digital and IT, achieving a distinction.
Kate, now Cyber Security Compliance Manager, said she chose an apprenticeship because she wanted practical experience rather than full-time college.
“I like to learn and see how things actually work, rather than just read about them. The apprenticeship gave me experience and a qualification at the same time. Most jobs ask for both so this was a great way of getting them.”
After two years in Finance, Kate was offered a permanent role and began studying for more qualifications.
Part way through her studies, she applied for a role in South West Water's IT team, an area she had always been interested in.
Kate moved into IT Operations where she developed a strong interest in information security and compliance but continued with her studies too.
“The idea was to complete the apprenticeship and then progress elsewhere, but the opportunities I’ve had here have meant I’ve constantly evolved my knowledge and role. I’ve been very lucky to have supportive managers who’ve allowed me to grow.”
Kate’s son Charlie chose the apprenticeship route for similar reasons.“I wanted workplace experience while gaining a qualification. It has exposed me to lots of different areas within IT and I’ve learnt so much.”
Charlie's role has included identity management, building and assigning hardware, installing software and responding to IT requests raised across the business.
Charlie says balancing study and work was manageable and the support from managers helped him develop new skills that fed directly into his college projects.
Despite a long history at South West Water, Kate was keen to make sure Charlie followed his own path and succeeded on his own merit.
“I was very hands off. Charlie applied and went through the process himself. If anything, I wanted him to stand on his own two feet.
“He’s helped with some new colleagues in my team and done a great job. It goes without saying I’m extremely proud of him.”
Charlie says his mum’s experience was a consideration but did not heavily influence his decision.
“I’d looked into my options and thought apprenticeships seemed like a great idea. I have no regrets.”
Both believe apprenticeships remain one of the strongest routes into skilled careers.
32 years after Kate first started her own apprenticeship, her advice is simple:
“Do it. It’s a great way to show your skills and build on them. You gain practical knowledge, understand how a business works and meet people who are willing to help.”
Thankfully, she reveals, the pay has improved from £29.50 per week!