Our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to making sure they all have the opportunity to develop, have the chance to achieve their potential and make a difference.
We want our people to be the best they can be and to feel like they have a great place to work. That’s why we give them the tools and support to really make a difference to themselves and to our customers.
We’re also well known for our work to champion diversity and inclusivity. Our customers come from a wide range of backgrounds. To understand their needs and provide unrivalled service, our workforce needs to reflect that diversity.
A few of the opportunities we’ve created in 2019 include:
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES
Apprenticeship programmes have given 132 of our existing employees the opportunity to learn and grow during 2019. Some have been learning how to harness the power of data to benefit the business. Others have focused on management or water engineering.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Some of our water production team who have worked in their roles for many years have completed a programme to develop their understanding of the science and engineering behind why they do what they do. Their commitment has not only earned them a qualification to be proud of but has also resulted in industry recognition for Northumbrian Water.
WOMEN IN STEM
In an environment where traditional perceptions of careers and roles persist, we were delighted with our success in attracting women into our industry in 2019. 67% of our undergraduates, the majority involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) roles, were female as were 33% of apprentices, mostly working in operational roles.
Case Study - Apprenticeships aren't just for school leavers
Once considered an option solely for people under 25, apprenticeships are increasingly used for people of all ages looking to expand their skills or retrain – as proved by our employees.
We gave our people, including some who already have decades of workplace experience, a chance to continue their professional development by using apprenticeship programmes that allow them to continue working alongside their studies.
A total of 132 existing employees took up the opportunity to further their careers in 2019 by signing up to apprenticeship programmes – making this our largest ever group of apprentices.
We offered a wide variety of opportunities for people to develop or retrain through apprenticeship programmes in aspects of the business including water network/distribution, water supply, wastewater, intelligence operations and customer service.
Training Contracts Manager Tracey Greener said: "Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to take a first step into a career, but it's a myth that they are just for young people getting started.
“Increasingly, we are using Apprenticeship programmes to help our people make exciting career changes, either updating or enhancing their skills and experience within their existing roles, or changing direction entirely.”
In 2019 we worked with the Energy & Utilities Independent Assessment Service and Water Train to build skills and develop knowledge in our operational areas. 88 of our people achieved the Water Process Technician Standard to Level 3, with many achieving distinction grades.