Apprentice Process Modeller Review
at Thames Water
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Environmental Science, Data Analysis
Reading
Review Submitted: March 2024
Overall Rating
2.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
2.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
As a process modeller, I work on different models of sewerage treatment works. Learning a lot about each aspect of sewerage treatment works and how they run. We model different things including an estimate of how much water is coming into the treatment works, how much the treatment works can withstand, what levels of different chemicals (e.g. phosphorus) are in the sewerage and what they are regulated to be at for disposal and/or agricultural uses. Also given the opportunity to go to site visits and create a better understanding of different sites and how they work
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
It is a good apprenticeship for if you want to get into the water industry. It has a good ability to grow. It also allows you to switch into the network modelling side with the other apprentice at the end of the first year to try out each side and decide which side better suits you. The LSBU part is mainly about construction however and is it not very connected to what you do in work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Developing excel, data analysis, presentation skills. Gaining professional/industry experience and knowledge of the water industry and sewerage treatment works.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The work is well organised and structured and the supervisors and managers are very knowledgeable. The LSBU side is also structured well and easy to follow, however as previously stated more in line with construction rather than hydrology or the water industry in any way. LSBU is also a little disorganised when using APTEM and making sure you know what you need to do etc.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my employers, with frequent review meetings to assess where I am at and what I need to improve/done well/etc. My supervisors and managers are very receptive and happy to help wherever they can. My apprenticeship supervisor is also very good and always happy to help.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The lecturers are very good and happy to answer any questions in lectures or through email. They set up site visits as well and industry speakers. The APTEM skills coach was a little disorganised at the beginning but seems to be nice and supportive where possible. LSBU as a whole have a lot of support options from disability and dyslexia to mental health and such.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
I do not think the qualification through LSBU is very well connected to the role. I think that LSBU is focused mainly on Construction (makes sense for being a construction/design course). The only part that is somewhat transferable is the use of AutoCAD and Revit and such programs, however these are not often used in my place of work. I think a better qualification would be something in line with hydrology or engineering or even environmental modelling.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There are networking groups (e.g. disability, men allies, womens, lgbtq+, etc) in these groups I think there are sports teams and such created. As a team, we put on social activities such as bbqs and Christmas lunches, etc. as well as community/volunteering days.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Thames Water to a friend?
Yes
Why?
If they wanted to get into the water business, I think an apprenticeship/graduate program is a good way in and they are a good company who has many opportunities and good people.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Thames Water?
There is not much difference than your standard application and interview process. Be prepared for an interview day with a group task to complete. Know your strengths when it comes to those kind of group projects, etc.
