Apprentices at South West Water will be going back to school this week to inspire more young people to consider an apprenticeship as part of National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2018), which starts today.
Four current apprentices will be going back to their old schools to inspire pupils with their apprenticeship stories during assemblies.
Clifford Sampson, 19, and Dean Vernon, 18, Waste Water Treatment Apprentice and Maintenance Apprentice, will both be taking the familiar journey back to Okehampton Community College.
19-year-old Inder Singh, Finance Apprentice, will be heading back to St Peter’s Church of England, Exeter, along with 20-year-old Digital Communications and Design Apprentice, Millicent Teague.
As part of #NAW2018 Millicent will also be active on South West Water’s social media accounts to share short video clips and facts about apprenticeships at South West Water.
Millicent Teague said: “When I was in school, I felt that we were only informed about University and not the possibilities of an apprenticeship.
"I want to share with the students my personal journey. Not only have my graphic design skills progressed, but I’ve also gained workplace skills such as workload prioritisation, communication and project management."
Nigel Fenn, Head of Organisation & Employee Development at South West Water, said: “We’ve recruited 106 apprentices since 2011 which contribute significantly to our continuing success.
"By going back to their old schools, our apprentices are able to share their experiences with pupils yet to make career decisions.
“96 per cent of our apprentices successfully complete their qualification and most go on to take up permanent roles with South West Water, proving that apprenticeships provide a strong springboard towards exciting new career opportunities in a wide range of professions.”
This year’s national theme is Apprenticeships Work and will highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have for individuals, employers, communities and the economy.
South West Water hit the 100 apprentice milestone this time last year, with plans to recruit more during 2018.
National Apprenticeship Week runs from 5 to 9 March 2018.
