Anglian Water is calling on young people in Fenland looking for a practical career to consider applying for an apprenticeship after 19 local placements were put on offer.

This year’s apprentice and trainee positions have been announced and they include opportunities across the region to train as mechanical and electrical engineers as well as technicians on the company’s water and water recycling networks.

The apprentice positions are a four year programme which will see the successful applicants trained up as electrical and mechanical engineers before starting work as Maintenance Technicians when they are fully qualified.

Lucy Keil from Ramsey is one apprentice who took advantage of the scheme, and says that the experience has been invaluable to her career.

She said: “I’m coming towards the end of my apprenticeship and it’s been a really positive experience. From day one I’ve had great support here from a really good team.

“The responsibilities I’ve been given day-to-day have really helped me progress.”

Trainee positions take 18 months and result in Network Technician roles, and there are also trainee roles available at several of the company’s water recycling works.

The company is also hoping to increase the number of young women going into trainee roles to try and address the long term gender imbalance in water engineering careers after it was revealed that only 10% of engineers are women.

“I can’t see why only 10% of engineers are women,” said Ms Keil. “It’s a great job and I think that getting into schools and encouraging young people into taking apprenticeships would really help.”

The apprenticeship roles are open for applications now, and the trainee positions will be opening in June.

To be eligible for an apprenticeship applicants must have five GSCEs (or equivalent) with grades A to C including Maths and English.

Anyone who wants to apply for an Anglian Water apprenticeship can find out more online at www.anglianwatercareers.co.uk/trainees.