SWW is a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer
South West Water has been recognised in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service to celebrate excellence in businesses that employ apprentices.
The news comes as the company welcomes 14 new apprentices to its apprenticeship programme for 2014.
The list of top 100 employers was announced yesterday (13 November) at the National Apprenticeship Awards in Birmingham.
After a tough selection process the most exceptional apprenticeship employers from all National Apprenticeship Awards employer categories went forward to feature in the list, which showcases the breadth of employers who now offer apprenticeships.
South West Water has a long track record of recruiting apprentices and has recently appointed 20 apprentices to full-time permanent positions.
The company has recruited 61 apprentices since 2011, and plans to recruit 30 more next year.
Monica Read, Customer Relations and Business Development Director, said: "We play an important role in the life of our region and we have ambitious plans for the future.
"Our apprenticeship scheme offers young people the chance to gain practical experience alongside our skilled workforce whilst learning technical skills in college.
"The scheme is a springboard for talented young people to launch their careers as part of the adaptable, technically enabled workforce we need for the future."
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg congratulated South West Water on being selected: "This year's Top 100 Apprenticeship employers have demonstrated the huge impact on the young people they invest in and the many benefits for their organisations.
"Apprentices help employers develop a skilled and qualified workforce to build a stronger economy, whilst creating a fairer society where young people can get on and go far in some of Britain's best companies.
"I would encourage more businesses across England to follow these shining examples and find out how apprenticeships can help them build a skilled, motivated and highly qualified workforce."
Apprenticeships top 100 employer libraryCEO and Director General of sponsors City & Guilds, Chris Jones, said: "It's fantastic to celebrate the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers. They should be proud of their role in helping people gain the skills they need to be successful. After all, apprenticeships are a great way for people to earn as they learn, and they bring countless benefits to businesses."
To view the full Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk
