Wales & West Utilities is urging wannabee gas engineers to register their interest for a place on its coveted apprenticeship programme.
The company, which manages and maintains the gas network across Wales and the south west of England, is to recruit apprentices later in 2018 to join its CIPD award-winning apprenticeship programme.
The announcement coincides with the company celebrating National Apprentice Week 2018 and the benefits apprenticeships are delivering to both apprentices themselves and businesses which are reaping the rewards of investing in keen and talented people.
Wales & West Utilities has run its apprenticeship programme since it started operations in 2005 and has recruited more than 160 apprentices from across Wales and the south west of England.
Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, Sarah Hopkins, said:
“We’re delighted with how our apprenticeship programme has grown over the years and while our 2018 recruitment window isn’t open just yet, we’re urging talented people to register their interest in our scheme – an opportunity for them to earn while they learn.
“Recruiting the next generation of gas engineers is essential so we can meet the challenges of the future while delivering for the communities we serve right across Wales and the south west of England, keeping the gas flowing to heat homes, power businesses and keep the lights on now and in the future. Apprentices are a key part of this.
“Anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to help us can register their interest at http://wwutilities.co.uk/interested - and we’ll be in touch when the recruitment window opens
National Apprenticeship Week 2018 runs from 5 to 9 March and celebrates the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals and businesses, as well as recognising the skills and talent apprentices can bring to the workplace.
The 2018 intake will focus on the companies Build & Repair teams that maintain existing gas equipment and lay new gas supply pipes, as well as Mechanical Engineers and Electrical and Instrumentation Engineers for Network Services teams who maintain the control systems of the gas network.
Apprentices will be based across the company’s operating area and go through the three-year programme to develop the skills to keep the gas flowing and make sure the gas network is fit for the future.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service that serves the south west of England and Wales, puts customers at the heart of the business and is rated the top utility company in the UK for customer service. 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.
The company also has 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.