Member Article

Northumbrian Water partners with Siemens to tackle North East unemployment

Northumbrian Water has joined forces with Siemens, with the support of the Energy & Utility Skills Group, to help provide valuable work experience for young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training (known as NEETs).

The nine week programme, which started this week (Monday September 28), offers the opportunity to develop valuable skills and behaviours, as well as practical training such as first aid, manual handling and CV writing, followed by extended work experience in various teams.

Ten young people signed up to take part in the scheme at Northumbrian Water’s Head Office in Pity Me, Durham, which also includes an activity day at Kielder Water & Forest Park in Northumberland.

Marissa Anderson, aged 24, said: “I joined the course because it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to gain experience, knowledge and skills from a professional environment.”

According to Government figures out earlier this year, at 18.5%, the North East of England has the highest number of 16 to 24 year old NEETs in the country.

Northumbrian Water already reaches around 240 different educational organisations in the North East, by working directly with schools, colleges, universities and training providers, supplying learning materials and a good quality experience of work.

Last year, 202 employees also helped young people improve their employability, by volunteering in educational facilities through the utility company’s ‘Just an hour’ scheme.

‘Just an hour’ gives employees the opportunity to spend at least 15 hours of paid work time a year, improving local communities in the company’s supply area.

Since the scheme started in 2002, more than 100,000 hours have been given back across North East and the South East of England through Essex & Suffolk Water, its southern division.

Sophie Pickup, Learning & Development Manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “We play a very active role in helping young people to learn about and get ready for employment, working hard to grow the pool of young talent in our sector.

“By supporting the communities we serve through ‘Just an hour’, and providing sponsored placements and training opportunities, we’re able to deliver our commitment to help young people reach their potential, improving their career and life prospects.”

Northumbrian Water will also be recruiting more than 60 apprentices over the next five years.

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