Southern Water has announced plans to triple its intake of graduates and apprentices.
The scheme will see the company recruit more than 90 graduates and apprentices before the end of 2026 as the industry faces a large skills shortage, with the water sector expected to require 50,000 new workers by 2030 to support infrastructure investment.
Richard Griffiths, people development manager at Southern Water, said: "As a sector, we know we need to fill some 50,000 roles before 2030 to deliver our biggest-ever investment in infrastructure.
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"Graduates and apprentices, who bring fresh energy and valuable transferable experience, are key to meeting those goals.
"Southern Water offers a springboard for those new to the industry to explore a broad range of careers, with more than 88 per cent of our externally-recruited apprentices going on to find permanent roles in the company."
This announcement comes during National Apprenticeship Week, running from February 9 to 15.
A total of 135 people are currently studying apprenticeships across the business, in roles in project management, environmental practice, programme delivery and mechanical and electrical engineering, amongst others.
New joiners will develop skills in areas such as AI and Intelligence, Procurement and Asset Maintenance.
The cohort includes school-leavers, graduates and career-developers.
Among the current apprentices is 42-year-old Christopher Taylor, an electrician who joined the scheme as a mechanical and electrical engineering apprentice.
Christopher said: "I feel that doing an apprenticeship is a great way to learn real engineering skills while doing a role that actually matters.
"It is not just theory but working on real mechanical and electrical systems in real-world scenarios that have an impact on your community.
"Southern Water gives you a chance to earn whilst you learn and gain a recognised qualification with hands-on experience, whilst working alongside qualified engineers.
"I have been fully supported every step of the way so far and feel happy and confident with the beginning of my journey."
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