In honour of National Apprenticeship Week, which is being observed this week, we will be introducing you to our 2022 apprentices Sophie, Ehsan and Ben.
Sophie - Project Manager Apprentice
What was the reason you chose an apprenticeship over other options?
The ability to earn while learning, as well as gain experience and exposure in the workplace, which universities cannot provide as well as Severn Trent. I also wanted to continue my education rather than jump right into mainstream work.
What is your role here at Severn Trent?
Apprentice Associate Project Manager.
Why did you choose Severn Trent to do your apprenticeship with?
Severn Trent was available locally to me, offered a great starter wage compared to other apprenticeships, and I was able to gain qualifications.
What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship so far?
I have enjoyed being able to connect with different teams within the office and work together on specific tasks and projects, it has helped me to expand my knowledge and also gain exposure to different areas of work.
Ehsan - IT Apprentice
What was the reason you chose an apprenticeship over other options?
The reason I chose an apprenticeship over other options was that an apprenticeship is a hands-on experience where you learn more about the role as you are carrying out the job for the role, which allows you to develop your skillset and learn more about the working culture.
What is your role here at Severn Trent?
My role at Severn Trent is that of an IT apprentice, where I manage and work alongside other team members to find solutions related to technology at STS.
Why did you choose Severn Trent to do your apprenticeship with?
I chose Severn Trent because it is a fantastic company to learn not only about the role but also about Severn Trent as a whole. I believe the Severn Trent values are ideal, as the company thrives off those values by making everyone feel included and involved. Furthermore, I chose Severn Trent because I wanted to learn more about my role, and Severn Trent is a large organisation where you can work under pressure and experience different scenarios and situations that you might not have otherwise.
What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship so far?
I have enjoyed meeting others on the apprenticeship journey and making friends along the way. Also, I have enjoyed my role because it is something I learn more about each day, which helps me develop my skills.
Ben - Field Technician Apprentice
What was the reason you chose an apprenticeship over other options?
The main reason I chose an apprenticeship over other options is that apprenticeships allow you to learn new skills and get on-the-job training while earning a wage.
What is your role here at Severn Trent?
My role is an apprentice field technician.
Why did you choose Severn Trent to do your apprenticeship with?
I chose Severn Trent Services to do my apprenticeship because they are a well-known and respected company that looks after and cares for their employees.
What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship so far?
The best part of my apprenticeship so far has been learning all about a new industry here at Severn Trent Services.
Mike - Former apprentice, now Business Development Lead
We wanted to sign off on National Apprenticeship Week with a success story. Introducing former Apprentice Mike, who has achieved an accomplished career within Severn Trent over the years.
Tell us how you came to join the apprenticeship scheme with Severn Trent?
I actually saw the advert in the local paper, it was in the Thursday night job section and stated that Severn Trent were recruiting an instrumentation apprentice at Shelton, Shrewsbury. I went to the website and then applied. I can remember the assessments done on the interview day were still in the old exam paper format and not online and it was all done like an exam. I must have done ok because I got offered the role back in July 2006!
How do you think your experience as an apprentice helped shape your career to date?
For me I think it’s been about learning from the bottom up. Having learnt skills on the operational front line both from a practical point of view but also, problem solving, thinking about solutions in different ways and teamwork. I have used these skills through all of the roles that I have done since. The apprenticeship programme also gave me chance to see the wider ST group. I was able to spend time in other areas and gain insights into how the business works. I also got to spend a day with the MD at the time!
The skills I learnt during my apprenticeship, I still use today, from my technical understanding or process control through to being a skill electrician so I get to do all of the jobs around the house……
What would your advice be to Severn Trent mangers considering taking on an apprentice?
If you have the opportunity take it, it’s a great opportunity for you to help shape future generations in our business. Also think about what the outcomes will be for your apprentice, what they are going to learn? What will they bring to you and your team. You can also share you experience with them, My first manager and mentor encouraged me to ask questions, to think outside the box and to challenge the way we do things – Just because something is being done one way now doesn’t mean it’s the right way!
