Water Treatment Operator Review
at Northumbrian Water Group
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Science
Warkworth, Northumberland
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
My role as a Water Treatment Operator has me learning from other operators on the process of how to treat water correctly so as to provide safe drinking water for the public. I shadow my colleagues, then perform the tasks myself so I'm ready for the job independently.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
My programme is very enjoyable. It switches from doing on site learning about how to actually operate a water treatment site, to courses where I learn about the treatment process ad the science that goes into it. Everyone at the company is very friendly and made me feel welcome, teaching me at my own pace.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, the main skill I've been taught is how to treat water correctly. This involves numerous subskills like how to dose chemicals, how to work SCADA properly to identify and correct problems, how to operate certain machinery in the treatment process etc. I've also learned how to drive a Telehandler, Improved my customer relations skills, Become a better team member etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure is organised well, and the course has been split evenly so I have a constant learning curve to follow, instead of having to cram it all at once. The support for me as an apprentice is there, in case I am lost or have any queries about certain topics or tasks.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive plenty of support from my employer; if I have an issue about my job role, I can ask fellow operators on how a process works or how to resolve an issue. If I have a technical problem I can use the IS portal to get it resolved. Any other issues I can bring to my manager who helps set me on the right track.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider gives me all the necessary documents to complete the course. Using OneFile I can access documents pertaining to different subjects being taught, be it math or disinfection. So far, any issues I've had have been resolved quickly by the staff who work for them.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification is not just showing me how to perform my role, but the why behind it. I am learning all about why the different parts of the treatment process are there, what they do and how exactly it is that they work. With this knowledge, It will help me find the route cause of problems faster, and help me resolve certain issues independently.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
I believe there are volunteering schemes at work, which they offer to anyone who wants to get involved. They also do networking events called roadshows which invite people from all across the company to come see how the company is doing in terms of economics and environment.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Northumbrian Water Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Northumbrian Water has made learning the job great as it is at my own pace, with not too much to learn all at once and help being provided if I'm stuck. They take great pride in what they do, which in turn makes me want to work better. They have unions that can help you with pay issues, so nothing gets left behind.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Northumbrian Water Group?
I would say just be yourself, and come across as a team player. You do not need years of experience as I was hired as an apprentice with 0 years of experience. Make sure you leave a good impression by interacting with others at the assessment centres, and just do your best. The rest is up to Northumbrian water!
