New apprenticeship programme delivered by Amey and DTL

Leading public service provider Amey, a major contractor for Yorkshire Water, has launched a new apprenticeship programme in sewerage and drainage with the support of utilities specialist Develop Training.

The first group of apprentices on the scheme, nine people aged from 17 to 30 but with one member in his early 50s, are nearing the end of their studies towards a Level 2 NVQ qualification.

Develop Training (DTL) completed the preliminary training for the course at its centre in York, one of seven across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Its team has since been putting the apprentices through their paces on Amey sites, monitoring on-the-job performance and completing assessments.

Once qualified, the apprentices will be responsible for helping to keep waste water flowing through more than 30,000 miles of infrastructure across Yorkshire. Their role involves using CCTV technology to inspect mains drains and sewers, and using jet washing equipment to clear obstructions.

Chris Wood, DTL’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be working with Amey on this new apprenticeship project. There has been a lot in the news about the need for more apprentices to learn the skills we need to keep Britain running, and we are pleased to be playing our part, alongside Amey and other major customers, to equip a new generation with the knowledge and experience to make this happen.”

The apprentices will gain essential understanding of the sewerage and drainage system as well as Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness (SHEA), CCTV and high pressure water jetting knowledge. Part of their training also includes a focus on customer service to equip them with an understanding of the impact this type of work may have on a customer.

The first wave of apprentices are due to complete the one-year course this summer.

Amey Managing Director for Utilities, David McLoughlin said: “Working with Develop Training we tailored a programme to the specific requirements of our contract which has enabled our apprentices to gain some invaluable skills to date. The importance of investing in people and skills for the future is paramount in order for us to proactively begin to address the significant skills shortages faced across the utilities industry. In July this year our apprentices will have completed their training and we look forward to having them supporting the Yorkshire Water community.”

Amey was awarded the AMP6 waste water repair and maintenance contract by Yorkshire Water in September 2015.