Leighton, Apprentice R&M Supply

How long have you worked for Wessex Water?

I have worked for Wessex Water since August 2024.

How did you apply?

My uncle works for Wessex Water, and he told me it was a great company to join as part of an apprenticeship.

What attracted you to Wessex Water in the first place?

I like the idea of working outside and not being stuck behind a desk. I see Wessex Water as a large company that seems to value its staff and provide a great opportunity to develop your career. It helped that I heard first hand from family that they look after their employees.

What does your job entail and what do you enjoy most about it? 

I mostly go out with gangs and assist with repairing leaking assets, digging out live water mains, replacing customers' leaking supply pipes and all the reinstatement work that is required off the back of a repair.

I enjoy the physical side of the job, working outside in all weathers and feeling like I am making a difference by keeping people supplied with drinking water after a burst. I also like working with the different people in the office and covering the store person when on leave.

Tell us about your team and what you like most about working with them

Working out of the Trowbridge depot, I move around the various gangs to gain experience and work with the store person and lorry driver to ensure that we have all the right materials and fittings.

I also like working with the scheduling department and inspectors, raising the jobs to make sure we have all of the information required to get the job done right the first time.

I am really enjoying the apprenticeship work at college with the rest of the apprentices. The set up down there is fantastic for gaining experience using different pipe fittings, tools and machinery.

Why do you think Wessex Water is a great place to work?

I think Wessex Water is good because they are a large company that seems to know how to treat staff and customers well, while always listening to feedback and changing things for the better and not just for the sake of it.

We have a great ‘Rewards for you’ scheme, and I can’t believe how quickly time is flying by being here. Wessex Water also does great work for various charities, and I feel as though I would be well supported should I ever need help and support myself. 

What do you enjoy most when not working?

I mostly enjoy watching Manchester United with my friends and family, having played football through my youth, I still love the excitement of the games. I also enjoy playing computer games at home and socialising with my friends by going to the cinema and bowling when I get the time.