Becca

Becca's STORY

Organisation & Employee Development - Apprentice, South West Water

Organisation & Employee Development - Apprentice
South West Water

During her A Levels, Becca made the decision not to go to university. Wanting to secure a career, she started her apprenticeship at South West Water, continuing to learn and earn at the same time. Find out more about her development and why choosing the energy and utilities sector was the right choice for her.

What do you do and where do you do it?

I am an Organisation and Employee Development apprentice at South West Water’s head office in Exeter. I work across two teams where we try and implement change throughout the business and help employees develop to reach their full potential.

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“With the team and the variety of work I would definitely recommend my job to a friend”

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Why is your role important?

My role is important because both the water industry and South West Water are in a constant state of change. My role alongside the team help makes the change as smooth as it can be and ensures the change embeds within the company’s culture. Developing our workforce is also very important. It ensures that the workforce is fully equipped to do their job properly and effectively. It ensures they are valued in the company which us vital for any company’s success.

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“I knew joining a large sector would mean that there would be plenty of opportunities for me and chances to develop personally and professionally”

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Which parts of the job do you enjoy most and find most rewarding?

Working in two teams allows me to get involved in a variety of different work. I really enjoy this aspect of my job as I get an overview of all the different work throughout the teams. This also means that my work does not become tiresome as it is constantly changing. Another aspect I enjoy is getting out of the office and actively promoting apprenticeships. The events are specifically designed to promote apprenticeship and to allow you to share your experience with students looking to become apprentices in the future. Apprenticeship promotion is a good thing as it develops people’s understanding of apprenticeships and increasing its popularity.

What path did you use to get to the position you hold today?

Before I started working at South West Water I was studying for my A Levels. I have never felt that university was the right path for me as I didn’t want the considerable debt and didn’t have a strong enough subject interest to warrant spending the £40,000 tuition fee. I knew that I wanted to experience a real working environment and wanted to continue with my learning. I knew I wanted to work in a HR environment so when the apprenticeship come up to work within an extended HR function, I applied through Exeter College and got the job.

What attracted you to join the energy and utilities sector?

One of the main things that attracted me to the energy and utilities sector is the scale of the sector. I knew joining a large sector would mean that there would be plenty of opportunities for me and chances to develop personally and professionally.

Why is your current position more satisfying than previous roles you’ve held?

My current position is significantly more satisfying then my previous jobs because I want to make a career out of. I enjoy what I do and want to develop further in this field. I didn’t feel there was any progression available in my previous jobs. I felt my current job is more challenging and opens up more opportunities for me then I would have had otherwise.

What do you think of the career prospects? Have you had much training and development?

During my time at South West Water I have been on several training courses. I have been on excel training and am going on a presentation course in the near future. There are so many course and development opportunities available which any employee take advantage of.

Would you recommend your job to a friend and why?

I would definitely recommend my job to a friend. There is so much variety in the role that there is always more to learn and problems to overcome. My team are extremely supportive to me and are always around if I need any help. With the team and the variety of work I would definitely recommend my job to a friend.