Following an apprenticeship as the beginning of a career
February 2023
Erin’s apprenticeship is taking her one step closer to becoming a fully qualified ICA Technician.
“My advice to anyone considering a water industry apprenticeship would be to just apply. It's an amazing way not only to get valuable experience, but also to gain an understanding of what it's like in the workplace.”
It was always my plan to join Southern Water, as both my parents work here, so I regularly checked the website to see when the apprenticeships were being released. I had always wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps and like him, I started my apprenticeship at the age of 17. My dad had explained what an ICA technician does – the Instrumentation, Control and Automation of plant systems – and I knew that this was the role for me.
During my apprenticeship, I’ve been working on the Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) - the computers that automate processes on our sites. I’ve been checking them by reading the digital code when it fails and doing maintenance tasks on instruments, such as the chlorine and turbidity monitors.
My favourite thing about the role is that no two days are the same – every single day is different and has its own challenges that are exciting to overcome. The apprenticeship has allowed me to build transferable skills and confidence, at the same time as being employed and gaining first-hand experience.
Looking to the future, I want to finish my apprenticeship and become a fully qualified ICA Technician. The picture is of me on-site with my mum.
“My advice to anyone considering a water industry apprenticeship would be to just apply. It's an amazing way not only to get valuable experience, but also to gain an understanding of what it's like in the workplace.”