Major Devon employer celebrates its apprentices during national week

South West Water is marking National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February) by highlighting the stories of apprentices and former apprentices working across Devon and the South West.

The company says apprenticeships remain an important route into careers in science, engineering and land management, with staff based in Exeter and across the region.

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At the Countess Wear laboratory in Exeter, Laboratory Services Manager Claire King is supporting the next generation of apprentices, 37 years after starting her own apprenticeship with the company.

Ms King joined South West Water in 1989 on a Higher National Certificate programme. 

She later progressed through roles including Assistant, Technician, Scientist and Senior Scientist before becoming Laboratory Services Manager in 2008.

Looking back, she 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.”

She said the laboratory currently supports seven apprentices and former apprentices.

One of them is Chris Ormiston, who is completing a two-year Level 3 BTEC in Applied Science. 

He previously worked in customer services after finishing a business and administration apprenticeship in 2012.

ABOVE: Chris Ormiston (South West Water)

Mr Ormiston said: “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.”

He added that combining study and practical experience had helped build his confidence.

Emily Lane began her apprenticeship in 2019 after moving from the veterinary sector. 

She worked in the Countess Wear lab for three years before joining the company’s water quality team. 

Her current role includes visiting water treatment works and customers across the region.

ABOVE: Emily Lane (South West Water)

She said: “To be paid while you learn and develop skills is a great thing, and there are so many variations of apprenticeship roles now too.”

Elsewhere in the business, a South West Water apprentice has been shortlisted for a national award.

Tom Howard, who joined the company’s Estates Team in 2024, is a finalist for Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Harper Adams Apprenticeship Awards. 

He is completing a Level 6 apprenticeship while working towards a degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management.

Mr Howard said: “You’re able to put what you’re learning into practice straight away. It really helps with your understanding of the subject.”

ABOVE: Tom Howard (South West Water)

He said being shortlisted for the award was something he was “really proud” of.

South West Water’s parent company, Pennon, said it currently has around 10 per cent of its workforce on apprenticeships, graduate schemes or degree placements.

National Apprenticeship Week runs until 15 February and aims to highlight the benefits of combining work with study for people starting their careers.