The latest apprentice intake at Wales & West Utilities has taken the total number of apprentices who have joined the business to more than 170 - making up more than 20 per cent of its operational team.
The company has recruited 12 apprentices from right across its operating area to its award-winning apprenticeship scheme which delivers on its commitment to invest in young people, so they have the skills, confidence and innovative thinking to help drive Wales & West Utilities’ business long into the future.
The twelve apprentices who join this year will work as part of the company’s operational team, where they’ll be learning how to repair gas leaks, lay new gas connections and maintain the gas network.
The three-year apprenticeships include a mix of on the job training; working across the gas network with experienced engineers to learn job-specific skills, and classroom-based learning at one of Wales & West Utilities purpose-built training academies in Treforest and Bridgwater or at local colleges.
Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, Sarah Hopkins, said:
“We’re delighted with how our apprenticeship programme has grown since we started operations in 2005. Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for people who want a hands-on career to learn while they earn – and we’re relying on them to become the next generation of gas engineers.
“We’ll be training our new recruits to deliver the highest levels of gas safety and customer service, so we continue to keep the communities we serve right across Wales and the south west of England safe and warm. They will also play a key role in helping us meet the challenges of the future: delivering energy that is affordable, reliable and green.”
Wales & West Utilities look after the pipes that bring gas to homes and businesses across Wales and the south west of England. With a team of more than 1000 trained and experienced engineers the company serve the 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales that rely on its gas emergency and pipeline services. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
Wales & West Utilities is also working on a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded to new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.