Rising star at Wessex Water

Apprentices have as much chance of progressing up to senior levels as anyone else. One example is Wessex Water's general manager of supply services, Ashlea Lane.

Ashlea (right) started out as an advanced engineering apprentice at the age of 16 and has since worked his way up to being in charge of waste treatment. Now aged 30, he manages all water supply services staff.

He also achieved a first class honours degree in electrical engineering and Masters in Business Administration from the University of the West of England while working full time as an engineer and manager for the water company.

Ashlea said: "The apprenticeship provided me with relevant experience and that essential foot in the door to the industry and without it, I wouldn't be where I am today."