National Apprenticeship Week 2021: Young people urged to consider a career in water

Water companies up and down the country are encouraging young people to consider a career in the industry as part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (8 - 14 February 2021).

This year, water companies want young people to look at the water industry when plotting their first move into the world of work. There are a range of opportunities available, across the industry and in every region of the country, helping to keep the nation’s water flowing. These include:

• Severn Trent Water will be recruiting 55 apprentices in 2021 across 12 different occupations
• Northumbrian Water plan to recruit 100 apprentices over the next 5-years in all areas of the business
• Anglian Water will recruit 43 apprentices this year across mechanical & electrical maintenance, water recycling and data analytics
• United Utilities will welcome 95 new apprentices in 2021 covering a range of fields including engineering, leakage reduction and data and analytics

In addition, many water companies are supporting the Government ‘Kickstart’ scheme which aims to create job placements for 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit.

Thames Water recently announced the creation of 50 placements for young people starting this month with more than 800 opportunities available through the scheme across the industry.

Christine McGourty, Chief Executive of Water UK, said:

“We’d love the water industry to be one of the first things young people think of when they’re considering their future career. There are a range of exciting opportunities available at innovative, forward-thinking companies, and there’s never been a more exciting time to join the sector.

“Water companies provide a vital public service and play a leading role in safeguarding public health and protecting and enhancing the environment.  It’s a career where you can feel you’re making a real difference to people’s lives and to the environment, now and for the future.”

“Build the Future” is the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2021, taking place between 8 and 14 February 2021, aiming to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.

The 14th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, taking place across England, will showcase the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies and how they all benefit from the impact of apprenticeships.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week Water UK will be looking at the vital role played by apprenticeships in the industry and getting a first-hand look at what being a ‘water apprentice’ is really like. All this week we are showcasing the stories of apprentices working within the water industry.

Water companies are committed to creating sustainable jobs and boosting skills to play their part in bringing about a green economic recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.