Water Supply Rural South Apprentice Review
at Northumbrian Water Group
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering
Durham (County Durham)
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.2 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
Within my role, I am involved within the operation of the reservoirs and pumping stations. I'll perform routine reservoir surveillance duties that include the observation of reservoirs and their related infrastructure through weekly and monthly checks such as the measurement of flow and in-person inspections.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I would say it is a good programme, where I have been able to gain new skills and knowledge from experienced operators on this programme, although there is some difficulty in learning practical skills, I'd say that the support and help I've been given has eased this process.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned and developed a significant amount of practical skills, I am now somewhat confident in outdoor work. Additionally, I am skilled in the observational sense of my role, being able to detect and recognise the features and failings of reservoirs and dams.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Due to myself being the first apprentice on the Rural South team, there some slight difficulty in arranging the training and learning I was to undertake, however this was easily overcome. There is now an organised approach in my learning.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a great amount of support from my employer, from simple interactions and to any request, my employer has been able to support and interact on a considerably great basis, ensuring that I am able to settle in.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My employer has been able to put me forward for training to pick up further qualifications such as Health and Safety and Confined Spaces.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualifications that I have trained for are indispensable for the role, they are able to support and relate to the work I carry out on a daily basis, For example, Confined Spaces allows me to foster a direct role during S12 inspections.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There has been a Works Christmas party which was a nice event, the company always advertises extra-curricular activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Northumbrian Water Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company has a great work culture and benefits that set it greatly higher than the majority of other companies, additionally the managerial style of my team is really encouraging for any new starters.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Northumbrian Water Group?
Don't be afraid to ask questions, take your time in learning and understanding new roles or skills and always be happy in meeting new colleagues.
