Thames Water launches new apprentice scheme
Utility company to work with industry partners to offer top-class training
THAMES Water is preparing to launch its shared apprenticeship scheme, believed to be the first of its kind within the UK’s utility sector.
The UK’s biggest water company has been collaborating with its supply chain on the new scheme, which will increase the number of apprentices employed within the water industry and the diversity of its workforce.
The apprenticeship scheme will allow Thames Water to collaborate and share skills and talent with its supply chain.
It will offer people in London and the Thames Valley the chance to learn the company’s infrastructure projects while gaining a nationally recognised qualification.
At the start of this year, Thames Water launched its skills strategy to create jobs and boost access to careers in the water industry.
The apprenticeship scheme is its latest commitment to support disadvantaged people within its communities, create sustainable employment and offer life-changing opportunities.
Thames Water people director Lynne Graham said: “The scheme is the next step in our plans to build a pipeline of skills from our communities and education sector, and ensure we have a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the customers we serve.
“We want to contribute to the creation of a fair society and tackle real challenges, such as digital skill shortages and in-work poverty, and ensure our people receive the right investment in skills development to have successful and sustainable careers.”
Thames Water will be working with the following partners from its supply chain: Lanes, Clancy, MWH and Morrison.
The company is currently finalising the apprenticeships it will be offering, but is planning to include qualifications in project management, electrical installation, engineering operative, site management, quantity surveying and business administration.
The first group of 20 apprentices on the scheme will be in place by March 2022.
Thames Water is working with K10, an apprenticeship training agency, to deliver the apprenticeships and apprentices will be hosted onsite by various employers for a minimum period of six months at a time.