Who we are and what we do
Every day at Wales & West Utilities, our team of more than 1,300 skilled and dedicated colleagues do their very best to keep our 7.5 million customers safe and warm, with gas connections and a gas supply they can rely on combined with a level of service they can trust.
We don’t sell gas; instead we use our extensive pipeline to transport gas to homes and businesses throughout Wales and the south west of England. This involves maintaining and replacing our gas pipe network, connecting new properties and responding to customer gas emergencies.
We launched Wales & West Utilities in 2005, and since then we have worked hard to build our impressive and established reputation for delivering excellent customer service with safety, reliability and value for money at the heart of everything we do.
We are there for our customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – it’s a vital service and one that we are extremely proud to deliver.
Where we work
We own and maintain more than 35,000 kilometres of gas pipes – enough to stretch from the UK to New Zealand and back again! Using those pipes – most of which lie hidden beneath your feet - we supply gas to around 2.5 million households and businesses, with a population of 7.5 million people. We cover an area that stretches from the mountains of North Wales to the cliff tops of Cornwall. The regions we serve are a mixture of cities, towns, villages and open countryside. Of course we’re biased, but we think they're some of the most beautiful places in the world.
What can you expect from our Graduate Programme?
Our two-year Graduate Development Programme is wide-ranging and focuses on the achievement of Chartered Engineer status via a series of engineering placements and a comprehensive graduate support network.
The programme is accredited by both the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and uses IMechE’s MPDS system to monitor progress, using quarterly reports and aligning your development to the UK-Spec Engineering competency framework.
During the programme you will be primarily based at our headquarters in Newport, and will also take up various placements covering all aspects of our work across Wales and south west England.
The first year of training will include developing an appreciation of the gas industry by way of core placements out in the field as well as in an office environment, and the second year will focus on building engineering competencies and managerial skills, by involving the trainees in a number of projects and placements.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for graduates who have (or expect to achieve) a bachelors or masters degree class of 2:2 or higher in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a degree course which is accredited by IMechE, IET, or IGEM (please see the institutes’ websites for further information).
We are looking for self-starters who are performance focused and committed to achieving Chartered status via their development programme. We see our graduates as leaders of the future, so it’s important that you want to make a difference in a business that services millions of people.
Our ambition is ‘to deliver outstanding levels of gas safety, reliability and customer service’ and expect graduates to approach their work in line with our four company values, which are:
- We put customers first: We build trust by giving excellent service, listening and taking action on what our customers tell us
- We work as a team: We build relationships with colleagues and partners, share best practice and encourage honest, open conversations
- We take pride: We take ownership and are accountable for our work, going above and beyond to get great results.
- We bring energy: We approach all our work with enthusiasm, always challenging ourselves to do better by embracing new ideas and innovative solutions.
Application process
Recruitment for our 2017 graduate programme has now closed. If you have applied, we'll let you know your progress and what happens next shortly.
Pay & Benefits
Salary
Your starting salary will be £25,000 per year.
Pension
The Wales & West Utilities DC (Defined Contribution) Scheme gives you the opportunity to save whilst you are working to provide you with an income (also known as a retirement income) when you take your scheme benefits.
You can choose what contribution you pay, 2%, 3% or 4%, and we will double your contribution.
If your application is successful, you will be provided with more information on how to enroll into the scheme when you start working with us.
Annual Leave
Our graduates are entitled to 25 days annual leave per year, to be taken in agreement with their line manager, plus all public bank holidays.
Flexible Benefits Scheme – ‘Choices’
We have our very own online flexible benefits scheme which offers easy access to a range of specially negotiated products and services for our colleagues to choose from, should they wish to do so.
There’s a range of lifestyle & leisure and health & wellbeing benefits available. You can save money on meals out with Restaurant Discount Cards, claim back your family’s health expenses with the Healthcare Cash Plan, get fit with a discounted gym membership and much more
