Get the cash flowing and tap into an exciting career in the water industry
Experts in the industry says the demand for skilled workers at water firms across the UK is increasing as the existing workforce ages
TAP into an exciting career in the water industry.
A leading training organisation for the industry says the demand for skilled workers at water firms across the UK is increasing as the existing workforce ages.
Pete Featherstone, operations boss at Peterborough-based Merit Skills, explains: “Apprenticeships are seen as a big part of the solution.”
Merit has launched a programme coaching young apprenticeship-trained engineers to become the next generation of trainers.
For those who like working with people and supporting skills development, this offers a fantastic route into a career as a training professional.
Ben Ely, 28, from Linton, Cambs, completed an apprenticeship with Merit Skills before starting a successful career with Cambridge Water and Anglian Water.
Now Ben is back working for Merit Skills and teaching others the skills which he has learned over the years.
He said: “After seven years in the water industry, I appreciated the great foundation my apprenticeship gave me — and wanted to pass on my experience to others making the same journey.
“I wanted a new challenge and an opportunity to develop my career further.
“To have the chance to do this work with Merit Skills, who made such a lasting impression on me during my own training, was fantastic.
Benefit of experience
“I now get to travel around the country delivering training, assessing new learners and giving them the benefit of my knowledge and experience to help them through the part of their careers they should always remember.”
Merit Skills is recruiting for water industry trainers across the country and wants to hear from people such as Ben.
The potential salary, after qualification, is around £35,000.
To find out more information about job oppotunities, or apply for work, email info@meritskills.co.uk.
Grad all over
• Build up work experience during holidays or in term time. It is almost a necessity for securing permanent employment.
• Big company grad schemes are competitive but many small businesses are happy to offer work experience too. Research a shortlist of firms and approach each with a phone call or well-crafted email that explains why you’d like to work there.
• Ask friends and family or search LinkedIn for business contacts you could approach.
Jewson is recruiting a Class 2 crane driver based in Wroxham, Norfolk. See .
Disability is not an obstacle to work
➍ Remember, you are not alone. One in four people experiences a mental health problem at some point.
➎ Find something that works for you. There is a role out there for everyone. Disability employment advisers are on hand at your local Jobcentre Plus to help you find it.
How to unwind the mind
➊ It helps you think before you act by teaching you to take a breather at those “make or break” moments.
➋ Mindfulness is a healthy way to combat stress and unwind, rather than choosing to drink or overeat.
➌ It allows you to notice this process as it starts, so you can stop it and do something better instead.
➍ Regular mindfulness practice allows you to focus on positive thoughts.
➎ Mindfulness quietens the mind, letting you come up with new, creative solutions to workplace problems.
Mindful Business Leadership by Robbie Steinhouse (Routledge, £19.99) is out now