Yorkshire Water will be creating 160 apprenticeships over the next five years in the biggest scheme of its kind ever launched by the company.
The majority of the new positions will be in operational roles as Yorkshire Water looks to recruit the next generation of skilled colleagues to be at the heart of providing a crucial service to millions of people around the region.
Yorkshire Water’s Esholt waste water treatment works was the location for an event to mark the launch of the scheme and recruitment for the roles will commence in May.
With almost one in five (18.3%) 18-24 year olds across Yorkshire not in education, employment or training (NEETs), the announcement is welcome news for the region.
The new skilled recruits will also ensure Yorkshire Water is prepared for a skills gap being predicted in the utility sector by 2025, partly caused by an ageing workforce.
Richard Flint, Yorkshire Water CEO, said: “Many people may not be aware just what a diverse range of skills we have within the company – from qualified engineers to geologists to our talented operators.
“In fact, we have some of the most skilled colleagues that you’ll find in any industry and it’s so important to us as a business that we look to preserve this specialist knowledge for the future.
“That’s why we are delighted to announce these 160 apprenticeships, it’s great news for young people and for the Yorkshire economy. Ours is a company that invests in its people and, having joined as a graduate myself, I know there are endless opportunities to progress and develop here.”
Stuart Andrew, MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough, gave his backing to the scheme as he attended its launch. He said: “I am so pleased that Yorkshire Water are investing so much in apprenticeships.
“Since the election, there have been over 3000 more apprenticeships in the Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough area. With companies like Yorkshire Water realising the potential of apprenticeships, it is excellent news for our area, and I am proud to support the new scheme.”
While there will be a variety of opportunities in a number of different areas, the focus will be on skilled operational roles to prepare for the retirement of colleagues currently in those positions. This will ensure the technical capability remains high in Yorkshire Water’s workforce and the company’s reliable service continues.
The latest recruitment drive from Yorkshire Water will be on the back of recruiting 59 apprentices over the past five years.
Details about Yorkshire Water’s apprenticeship programme and information about the recruitment process can be found on the company’s website:http://www.yorkshirewater.com/careers/apprenticeships.aspx
