THE MP for Central Devon has applauded South West Water for their apprenticeship programme.

The scheme has seen more than 20 new apprentices taken on in the last few months, bringing the total number of apprentices to join the company since 2011 to 85.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride met South West Water chief executive Mr Chris Loughlin in Westminster recently to congratulate the company on winning the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards in the large employer category, and to discuss their plans for the future.

Speaking after their meeting Mr Stride said: ‘I’m delighted South West Water have been recognised for their outstanding apprenticeship programme which is offering dozens of young people the opportunity to embark on an exciting career while gaining important qualifications. By investing in the future of their workforce South West Water is also ensuring they will maintain the skills needed to deliver high-quality services to residents in my constituency and across the region.’

Head of employee development, Nigel Fenn, said: ‘In 2010 we identified a serious skills gap with 40% of our operational employees likely to retire within 10 years.

‘We introduced apprentices as part of our workforce development plan to grow a qualified workforce and four years on from our first intake we have 85 apprentices playing a valuable role in the business, bringing fresh perspectives, new skills and new ideas about technology. We have found they are changing team dynamics in really positive ways.’

Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised on the South West Water website at www.southwestwater.co.uk/apprenticeships.