A South West Water Laboratory Services Manager is supporting the next generation of apprentices 37 years after completing her own training programme.
Claire King, Laboratory Services Manager at South West Water’s Countess Wear laboratory in Exeter, joined the company in 1989 through a Higher National Certificate apprenticeship programme.
Since then, Claire has progressed through a series of technical and scientific roles, including Assistant, Technician, Scientist and Senior Scientist, before becoming Laboratory Services Manager in 2008.
Building a long-term career through apprenticeship
Reflecting on her decision to pursue an apprenticeship, Claire said: “I was learning on the job and getting qualifications with no debt and I was able to support my family at a difficult time rather than being away from home.”
Over the years, she has supported numerous apprentices at the Countess Wear laboratory. Several former apprentices remain with the company, with seven apprentices and former apprentices currently working within the laboratory team.
Apprenticeships supporting career progression
One of those apprentices is Laboratory Scientist Chris Ormiston, who is completing a two-year Level 3 BTEC in Applied Science. Chris previously worked in South West Water’s Customer Service team after completing a business and administration apprenticeship in 2012.
He chose the apprenticeship route to continue his education while earning a salary. “I have a three-year-old at home, so learning at work is allowing me to access higher levels of education that would otherwise not be an option. It allows me to apply what I learn at college to my day-to-day role and vice versa,” he said.
“Completing an apprenticeship has changed my life. You get experience whilst learning, which has been massively valuable for me to solidify my learning. An apprenticeship has opened loads of gates for me and everyone has been so supportive and helpful.”
Another former apprentice, Emily Lane, began her apprenticeship in 2019 after moving from the veterinary industry. She worked at the Countess Wear laboratory for three years before progressing into South West Water’s water quality team.
Emily now works at treatment works across the region and visits customers within supply networks to help ensure water quality standards are maintained.
She said: “I enjoy learning and developing my skills and knowledge, and felt this was a great way of doing this. Apprenticeships can be hard work, but worth it. To be paid while you learn and develop skills is a great thing.”
Apprenticeships continue to play an important role in developing technical and scientific expertise across the UK water sector, supporting laboratory operations, water quality assurance and wider environmental management.
Related: People in water
