UU Opens Training Centre for Water Engineers

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UU Opens Training Centre for Water Engineers

Water Company United Utilities Has Invested £1.5 Million to Tackle a Looming Skills Shortage

The North West firm has created a new technical training centre at Bolton as part of its training and apprenticeship programme aimed at sourcing the next generation of water engineers.

The purpose-built centre was opened today [Thursday 12 February] by Employment Minister Esther McVey who toured the facility and met some of the young apprentices who are already learning the ropes.

It's all part of a drive by the FTSE 100 company to source more than 1,000 new engineers and technical employees by 2023.

Sally Cabrini, business services director at United Utilities, explained: "It's critical that we invest in the people and the skills to run our organisation effectively in the future.

"Across the utility sector we have an aging workforce and we've got to pass on their skills to the next generation before time runs out. We estimate that around half of the current workforce will have left or retired over the next decade."

The training centre has been created at one of United Utilities' working sites, Bolton wastewater treatment works, by extending and refurbishing a redundant operational building.

The facilities, including mechanical and electrical workshops, a laboratory and even a mock sewer system, were designed by time-served engineers who have taken qualifications in education and training. 12 employees at United Utilities have up-skilled in this way to work as trainers, passing on their experience to around 70 trainees each day.

Employment Minister Rt Hon Esther McVey MP said the centre was a huge investment by United Utilities and a template which other industries could follow.

Speaking at the opening of the centre, she said: "I've spoken to so many people today who've said they've found a home here. They didn't necessarily know what they wanted to do after leaving school or college, but they feel inspired by this centre. That to me is what employment is about."

United Utilities' apprenticeship programme, which has a new intake of 30-40 young people each year, is fully accredited and all who successfully complete the four-year course are offered a job at the company.

Steven Adamson, 25, a mechanical engineering apprentice, said: "I can't wait to become a fully qualified United Utilities employee. The thought of having a permanent role with one of the best companies in the country is a dream come true. To have such a varied job where I will be challenged on a daily basis is really exciting."

Source: United Utilities

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