Southern Water is looking to take on more than 90 graduates and apprentices before the end of 2026 – 3 times last year’s total.
As National Apprenticeship Week kicks off (9th – 15th February) the company has announced it is boosting its investment in new talent to tackle industry skills shortages.
People Development Manager Richard Griffiths said:
“As a sector, we know we need to fill some 50,000 roles before 2030 to deliver our biggest-ever investment in infrastructure. Graduates and apprentices, who bring fresh energy and valuable transferable experience, are key to meeting those goals. Southern Water offers a springboard for those new to the industry to explore a broad range of careers, with more than 88% of our externally-recruited apprentices going on to find permanent roles in the company.”
A total of 135 people are currently studying apprenticeships across the business, in roles in project management, environmental practice, programme delivery and mechanical and electrical engineering, amongst others. New joiners will develop skills in areas such as AI and Intelligence, Procurement and Asset Maintenance.
The cohort includes school-leavers, graduates and career-developers such as 42-year-old Christopher Taylor, an electrician who has been taken on as an apprentice mechanical and electrical engineer.
Christopher recognises he is not ‘your average young person starting their apprenticeship as a school leaver. I’m 42 and have been out in industry already.’ But he says Southern Water recognised the value of his background and saw his motivation for engineering and willingness to learn.
“I feel that doing an apprenticeship is a great way to learn real engineering skills while doing a role that actually matters. It is not just theory but working on real mechanical and electrical systems in real-world scenarios that have an impact on your community. Southern Water gives you a chance to earn whilst you learn and gain a recognised qualification with hands-on experience, whilst working alongside qualified engineers. I have been fully supported every step of the way so far and feel happy and confident with the beginning of my journey.”
Find out more about Southern Water apprenticeships here: Southern Water Apprentice Jobs & Opportunities
perhaps they should have had a recruiment drive, before starting work on replacing water mains in Eleanor’s Grove, and Horsebridge Hill…
Then they may have been able to spend a reasonable time each day, actually working on the projects..
Every time I’ve driven past either, there’s been hardly any appearance of work taking place..
With the Inconvenience they, and Island Roads, are forcing on the good people of the Isle of Wight, they should be workking 24/7 (not the apparant 4/5)
Now we know why Southern Water have increased our
water bills.
Maybe they could work on Elenor’s Grove over the weekend whilst their colleagues are feet up.