How two Pennon apprentices got a second shot at their dream careers

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (February 5-11), two Pennon apprentices have shared their stories to show that it’s never too late to pursue your dream career.

Pennon is committed to providing development opportunities to people across the region, regardless of background.

It offers apprenticeships in Finance, Marketing, Drinking Water Services, Engineering, IT, Waste Water Services and Shared Services at its water businesses South West Water, Bristol Water and Bournemouth Water.

It recently announced plans to develop over 1,000 people through apprenticeship and graduate schemes by 2030, along with offering 5,000 work placement opportunities over the same period.

Apprenticeships give successful applicants the chance to learn about the company and gain valuable workplace experience in the water industry. The programme includes access to ongoing support from industry experts.

Not just for school leavers

Jodie believed that her age would hold her back from securing an apprenticeship before she found her AAT Level 3 Finance placement with Pennon, working for South West Water.

Jodie said: “I believed that apprenticeships were only for school leavers. My 25-year-old sibling was successful in obtaining an apprenticeship and this inspired me to see what was out there for me. This opened a new world of opportunities.”

Now, Jodie, who previously worked as a Teaching Assistant, has a second chance to pursue her preferred career and is thankful for the opportunity for development.

“The apprenticeship with South West Water has provided me with incredible opportunities to grow and learn while still earning a sensible living. As an apprentice over 25, it is important to me that there is personal development for my career and future without barriers.”

Jodie is one of seven finance apprentices who are part of a rotational scheme, changing roles within the South West Water Finance Department every six months.

She said: “I really love learning and tackling new challenges. It’s like fitting together pieces of a puzzle and each rotation connects with the previous in some way. I also enjoy meeting all the different team members and feeling connected.”

And Jodie is clear in her advice for others who are considering apprenticeships. She said: “If you are up for the challenge, be brave and take the dive!”

Pennon’s first Solicitor Apprentice

Despite graduating from the University of Bristol with a Degree in English Literature, Lewis had always wanted to pursue a career in law.

Lewis finally got his chance when he joined Pennon as a Paralegal in January 2023. Quickly after joining the water company, he was lucky enough to be given a further development opportunity, becoming Pennon’s first Solicitor Apprentice.

Lewis said: “For me, the main attraction was the ability to gain practical experience coupled with the theory I would inevitably need to learn. This appealed to me as being a non-law graduate, I would essentially be starting from scratch in terms of learning the law, so being able to apply it as I learned it was a no-brainer for me.”

Now, Lewis works in Pennon’s in-house law team on a rotational programme and is currently sitting in Litigation.

Lewis enjoys the fact that his placement exposes him to a variety of work, allowing him to improve his skill set in multiple areas without being restricted.

“Right now, my main focus is sitting my exams to become a qualified solicitor – which still feels very surreal! I have no doubt that my apprenticeship at Pennon will support my journey towards this goal and lead to even greater opportunities.”

And Lewis is keen to encourage others who are looking to take the next step in their career path to consider an apprenticeship.

He said: “An apprenticeship, let alone one in the water industry, had never seemed like an option for me. However, it has allowed me to develop more than I could have ever imagined.

“It is a dynamic and exciting time to be in the water industry, and the experiences you can gain from that are too valuable to miss.”