Meet the Apprentices
6 February 2023
Today marks the launch of National Apprenticeship Week 2023. At Welsh Water, we’re incredibly proud of our award-winning apprenticeship programme and this year, we’re offering a record 50 positions for new apprentices to join us.
These exciting opportunities are across our water, wastewater, and support teams in various locations around Wales and allow people to learn new skills on the job while earning a competitive wage.
At Welsh Water we have many employees who have entered our business via an apprenticeship route, who are doing amazing work for us, daily. We strongly believe it's a successful route into a rewarding and fulfilling career with us.
But, don’t just take our word for it.
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Bronnie Jones and Chloe Edwards, who joined us as Customer Service Apprentices last year to find out more about their apprenticeship journey so far.
How have you found your apprenticeship so far?
Bronnie: I’m really enjoying my time as an apprentice at Welsh Water. Every day is new challenge, as we get to speak with so many different customers from all walks of life, helping them with the different queries they have.
I’ve already experienced lots of different things and have been able to visit some of the treatment works to understand the process that goes into cleaning the water which goes to our customers taps and also how we safely treat wastewater.
There are new opportunities every day for us to learn new skills, and as an apprentice I make sure that I take full advantage of that.
What made you want to apply for an apprenticeship with Welsh Water?
Chloe: I wanted to apply for an apprenticeship with Welsh Water as I knew about the reputation that they have - not only with their customers, but with their employees as well. It was important to me to work for a well-known company that looks after their employees and supports their development.
The fact that the CEO started off as an apprentice said it all, the opportunities for personal and professional growth were endless. I’d heard only good things about Welsh Water from friends and family and so when I saw the retail apprentice opportunity, I knew it was the role for me.
Tell us more about your role.
Bronnie: My main responsibility at Welsh Water is to help our customers with any billing queries they have. I speak with our customers daily, and I really enjoy talking to a different person with each call I take.
As part of my apprenticeship, I get to move around different departments within Welsh Water, so I’m really looking forward to taking on a new challenge and expanding my knowledge of the business and the water industry.
What is your favourite thing about your current role?
Chloe: I really enjoy the challenge of never knowing what query our customers will have when they call us. Each day is different, and you’ll never have the same query twice!
My role can be challenging, but I find it really rewarding to be able to help our customers solve their problems and being a part of their journey from the first phone call. We’re supported by our team leaders to always find the best way forward for each individual customer, which allows me to give the best customer service possible.
How has securing an apprenticeship helped your development?
Chloe: I think coming into the business as an apprentice has more benefits than joining as an advisor. Our intake this year was the first to trial a new system, where we received three weeks of initial training, followed by a mixture of on-the-job customer engagement and shadowing colleagues in the call centre. This was useful as we were able to use the knowledge learnt in training in real life scenarios, with the full support of our trainers.
Not only this, but we have experienced many of other opportunities, such as attending the apprenticeship awards, a meet and greet with the Exec team and visiting our clean and wastewater sites.
We have also had the opportunity to move around different departments in the contact centre every six months, which will open more opportunities and provide me with knowledge of different areas of the business.
What are your hopes for your career?
Bronnie: I hope that I will be able to develop my career within Welsh Water as it’s a company that has great ethics which align with my personal values. The development opportunities are great and if you want to progress, there is endless support to help you get where you want to be.
I’d like to get more experience in different departments to learn more about the company and the water industry. Hopefully, it won’t be long until I’m in a senior position!
What would your message be to anyone else considering an apprenticeship at Welsh Water?
Chloe: An apprenticeship is an excellent way to grow and develop and you get a qualification, too! If you are willing to learn, then this programme is for you. There are so many opportunities for you to progress within many different departments and gain a better understanding of the company. Enjoy yourself!
Bronnie: I’d like anyone who’s considering an apprenticeship to know that the scheme at Welsh Water is a fantastic opportunity. You must work hard, but you’re rewarded with the freedom to be yourself, as well as receiving high quality training. Everyone you come across is very supportive and wants to see you develop in your career.
But, the most important thing is that you enjoy yourself, take it all in and have fun!