A South West Water apprentice has been shortlisted for a national Apprentice of the Year award during National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February).
Tom Howard, a second-year apprentice with South West Water, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Harper Adams University Apprenticeship Awards.
Tom is currently completing a Level 6 apprenticeship while studying towards a degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management. Alongside his studies, he works within South West Water’s Estates Team, supporting landowners and land managers when operational work is required on private land.
Combining academic study with practical experience
After completing his A-levels, Tom chose the apprenticeship route to continue studying while gaining hands-on experience in the sector he wanted to work in. He joined South West Water in 2024, attracted by the opportunity to combine office-based work with field activities.
Speaking about his experience, Tom said: “I think the apprenticeship has been a really great thing for me because you’re doing the job whilst you’re studying about the subject. You’re able to put what you’re learning into practice straight away. It really helps with your understanding of the subject and my confidence has really developed since starting.”
Commenting on being shortlisted for the award, he added: “I’m really proud to have been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year and grateful for the support and opportunities I’ve had at South West Water and at Harper Adams University.”
Recognition for skills development in the water sector
Tom’s manager, Jolyon Halford, Lead Estates Manager at South West Water, said Tom has made a strong contribution to both his academic studies and his role within the business.
“Tom has fully embraced both sides of his apprenticeship – excelling at Harper Adams and making a real impact within the South West Water Estates team,” Halford said. “Being shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year is a fantastic achievement that reflects the esteem in which he is held by his peers, university staff and colleagues.”
Reflecting on National Apprenticeship Week, Tom encouraged others to explore similar routes into the industry. “I would definitely encourage people to see if there are apprenticeships available in the area they would like to go into. It’s a great way to learn about the career you want while working alongside other professionals,” he said.
South West Water’s parent company, Pennon, holds Platinum membership of The 5% Club in recognition of its long-term commitment to apprenticeships and graduate programmes. Pennon is currently the only UK water sector business to hold Platinum status.
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