South West Water is celebrating the range of apprentices across its teams as part of National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February).
Pennon, was recently awarded Platinum membership of The 5% Club in recognition of its commitment to supporting apprentices and graduates - the only business in the UK water sector to achieve this.
The 5% Club is made up of employers that are committed to providing the best opportunities for the next generation to get started in their careers - combining work and education by offering a variety of graduate and apprentice programmes.
Sharon Gathercole, Pennon’s People & Culture Director, said: “We are pleased to be an inclusive place to work that provides fantastic opportunities for those just starting their careers to get their foot in the door. Bringing in new people with fresh ideas through apprenticeships and graduate programs, we want to see those of all ages and backgrounds join our business - helping us continue to be a forward-thinking and diverse organisation.”
Meet some of South West Water’s current apprentices
Saffron Herbert, Group Internal Auditor
As a practical learner, Saffron chose an apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience in finance.
Saffron knew that university wasn’t for her and instead wanted to learn on the job. She was also attracted to the variety of work experience positions included within the apprenticeship, but what surprised her was the scope of opportunity within the water sector.
Saffron said: “There really is something for everybody in the water sector, there are so many roles I would never have known existed prior to my apprenticeship.”
Matthew Sluman, Apprentice Engineering Technician
Matthew was between jobs and uncertain what direction to go in, but now as an apprentice at South West Water he’s proud to have won two awards. He was surprised by how supportive his managers were, making him feel valued and not just a number.
Matthew is 31 and said: “There is no such thing as too old to start again and every day is a school day so why not start an apprenticeship and get paid while you learn lots of new life skills.”
Jo Gent, Natural Resources Assistant Project Manager
Through her apprenticeship, Jo has not only gained a huge amount of knowledge from the Operations Management course, but also has practical experience applying this knowledge in the workplace.
Jo said: “This has been a massive boost to my confidence and encouraged me to take on more responsibilities than I would have done otherwise.”