Work-study balance at Northumbrian Water

People are an extremely important part of the Northumbrian Water corporate strategy. The company has been working in partnership with training company TTE on a residential apprenticeship programme since September 2012.

The four-year programme includes a mix of mechanical and electrical apprentices from across the North East.

Apprentices on the Northumbrian Water programme spend two years at TTE's training centre working towards a Level 3 technical certificate and a Level 3 NVQ extended diploma. A further two years are spent working alongside Northumbrian Water's experienced engineers at its sites throughout the region.

For Dan Herron and Ryan McGee, both Northumbrian Water Mechanical Maintenance Technicians based in Alnwick, Northumberland, the company's Skills Awards were a real reflection on just how far they had come over their five-and-a-half years with Northumbrian Water Group.

Dan and Ryan started with Northumbrian Water at the same time and while working they also studied for their degrees together. Their commitment and dedication - and the support they have shown each other - were rewarded with fantastic results. Dan (above, centre) was awarded a first class degree and Ryan a 2:1.