Northumbrian Water has officially welcomed the first phase of apprentices from its largest intake this year.
From data analysts to plumbers, customer service specialists to lab scientists, the 28 recruits have embarked on the beginning of their careers with the water company.
The new apprentices are stepping into vital roles that will help keep the water flowing to 2.7 million customers across the North East, as well as supporting everything from water quality and environmental protection, to customer engagement and innovation.
Each apprentice will be part of an early career’s community of apprentices, students and graduates who are already thriving in their roles. They wil receive hands-on experience, tailored training, and the support needed to grow both professionally and personally.
A further 20 water apprentices are set to begin in November, bringing the total number of new recruits in 2025 to 48 and marking a record-breaking year for apprentice intake at the water company.
Helen Smith, Northumbrian Water’s Early Careers Specialist, said:
“Our apprentices are the future of our business. We’re proud to offer world-class training and support that helps young people grow and develop, while gaining hands-on experience in the water industry.”
In 2026, Northumbrian Water plans to extend its commitment to early careers even further by launching new enrichment programmes and education partnerships, starting with primary schools, to inspire the next generation of water industry professionals.
“SAS (Surplus Activated Sludge) is a bit weird and 
Owen Mace has taken over as Director of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) Plastic Pipes Group on the retirement of Caroline Ayres. He was previously Standards and Technical Manager for the group.
PureTec Separations, the Ledbury-based water treatment engineering firm, has appointed Dan Norman as its new Sales Manager – Water Process Systems, supporting the company’s continued growth in the UK and international markets.
bNovate has launched BactoCloud, a secure cloud-based platform that connects and manages its BactoSense instruments, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization of microbial water quality.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.