Apprentice profiles

Stefan - Electrical Technician

I joined ESW in August 1997 as an Apprentice Electrical Technician where I was based at Chigwell WTW. On completion of my Apprenticeship I had gained my ONC and NVQs, level 2 & 3, in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.

I then asked my line manager if I could progress with my studies and embark on the HNC in Electrical & Electronics engineering. I was granted permission for day release and at the end of my 2 year HNC I was offered a place on Havering College’s HND programme. This was only an extra year and at the end I thought that my studying days were finished. However, at the end of the HND programme, Havering College had joined forces with Sunderland University and offered me a place on the B.Eng Electrical & Electronics Engineering course.

This was completed in November 07 and marked the end of my 10 years of day release!  This is me at the graduation ceremony held at Sunderland FC’s Stadium of Light.

Gaining these qualifications has been a very enjoyable experience and has helped me become a better technician, where I now get involved in a very wide range of technical duties assisting various departments.

The role of technician involves installation, commissioning, fault finding, design and general electrical maintenance on a huge range of industrial plant and equipment, so there is always something to keep you busy.

I have enjoyed working at Chigwell WTW very much, but due to the business needs I have worked at most sites within Essex and have gained valuable experience in doing so and developed a reasonable understanding of the processes involved in our Water Treatment Works.

 After obtaining my ONC, HNC, & HND in Electrical / Electronic Engineering I was offered the chance to study on an honours degree programme with Sunderland University.

3 years of studying, coursework, 10 exams, and a dissertation meant that I finally achieved my Electrical & Electronic Engineering honours degree (B.Eng) on 30/11/07 at a graduation ceremony held at Sunderland FC’s Stadium of Light.

Graham - current apprentice

When I was at school I enjoyed systems and control in technology, which involved a couple of basic electrical systems. I wanted a job where I could develop my skills in this area. I thought an electrical apprenticeship was the best option.

Northumbrian Water offer a great opportunity to develop a range of skills in various environments and see how different systems function unlike a factory where you are in the same atmosphere all day.

I gained an ONC at Darlington college, in electrical/electronic engineering, and I am currently studying for a HNC and an NVQ level 3 at work.

I am hoping to gain as much experience as possible as an electrician. Once I feel I am completely competent I would like to undertake a degree and become an electrical engineer.

 Iain - ex apprentice and now maintenance technician

Having completed my GCSE's and started my A-levels I realised that full time education was not for me as it was too much like school. I had already considered doing an apprenticeship as being able to combine hands on experience and academic studies appealed to me, as well as the financial benefits of earning a good wage with excellent career development opportunities.  

The variety of work was was one best aspects of my apprenticeship. Due to the large area covered, range of processess and equipment maintained by the Maintenance department, the tasks undertaken can differ greatly and even now you are still learning and gaining more experience.   

As my apprenticeship was multiskilled I completed my ONC and HNC in Mechatronics (electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering). Addition qualifactions relating to my role were also achieved including Advanced PLC's and Electrical Regulations.  

As a qualified Maintenance Technician I would like to progress my academic studies to degree level and aspire to become an engineer or progress towards a management level position.

Since completeing my apprenticeship I have undertaken team leader roles within my department by carrying out team leaders duties when they are absent. I have also completed a Foundation Degree in Engineering.   

 John - ex apprentice and now project acceptance engineer

The NWL apprenticeship offers training across a broad spectrum of work within mechanical and electrical maintenance.  I enjoyed being able to work throuought the Northumbrian Water area rather than a 'fixed' factory environment.  The experience I gained throughout my apprenticeship has carried on into my current role as a project acceptance engineer in investment delivery.                 

I  completed my apprenticeship with an advanced craftsman certificate and went on to do an HNC in Electrical engineering and a HND in Mechanical engineering.  I now work in investment delivery as a project acceptance engineer.  My current work includes the Pumping Station Refurbishment Programme, a £9 million investment programme replacing and refurbishing Northumbrian's assets.