Utilities operations technician Review

My role as a utilities operational technician is to ensure raw water is being treated correctly and that wholesome water is leaving our works and into the customers tap. Day to day i will follow the operators around the plant to getting a good understanding of what we are doing, why we are doing it and how. To back up my understanding the college I go to will help me get the qualifications I need by learning in a classroom environment and then putting what I have learnt on paper through assignments. To be more specific the day to day tasks within our plant involve sampling and testing. Using site systems such as scada or prism to operate the plant and to monitor the overall quality and quantity of water entering and leaving.

Yes. I have learnt many new skills such as sampling and testing. Although it may sound simple, there are procedures in place to ensure the risk of contamination is greatly reduced. Systems such as scada and prism which the operators use to monitor and control the plant plays a vital role in keeping the plant running. Therefore learning the scada/prism system has been a new skill for me. I have developed my understanding of health and safety. Being this my first real working job (as I am 17), I have undergone the health and safety tool box talks to get an overall better awareness and practice for myself.

This programme has been amazing. I get involved in all of the activities on site whether that be cleaning around the site or helping fix an issue, there is always things to keep you on your feet. The people I work with are another reason to why I enjoy going to work. Everyone is supporting me and answering my questions. Despite COVID, I have still managed to have sessions remotely and in class. It is great to get the practical knowledge do I can put it into practice on site. The college tutors are all very supportive and will help to the best of their ability.

Despite COVID, I believe the programme had been well organised. I spend a lot of my time at work and a reasonable amount of time at college to learn. There has been some changes towards my college sessions due to COVID however some of them being remote video sessions so I have still been able to learn the process knowledge.

I receive great support from my employer. I get support in many forms. From my manager, colleagues, tutors and make uk staff. All help me ensure I am learning and getting the help I needed. I have one to ones with my Manager every 6 months and reviews with my college tutor. Both making sure I am progressing well and if not how I can improve.

I receive good support from my training provider. The college staff have regular reviews with me to make sure I am doing ok both on a personal level and at training level. The college tutors will also have regular reviews with me so if I feel as if I am struggling with any work I can ask them.

The knowledge I receive from college has a huge help with my understanding at work as I can use what I have learnt into practice if the opportunity arise. I will cover many aspects in my qualification ensuring I have the knowledge to perform well within my role to the best of my ability. If I have any questions about anything on site to which I do not understand I can always ask them if my colleagues do not know.

At the moment due to COVID there is not. However there has been social activities online arranged by our CEO for all Severn Trent employees to get involved in.

Yes

Severn Trent is a great company to work for with a good structured apprenticeship programme and lots of career. development opportunities.

Be yourself. Get involved and take all the opportunities that are offered to you. Ensure you are learning all on site and at college. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at college/site because the more you know the more confident you will become. Make sure you are on top of college work although if you are struggling there are always people who can help (college tutor/work colleagues/Makeuk staff).