Held on 19th August, this visit is just one example of opening doors - literally and figuratively - to Anglian Water’s people in early careers. In this case, the aim of the visit was to provide better access to politics and enable meaningful conversations with the people shaping our industry’s future. 


Investing in the next generation is a promise that Anglian Water is proud to keep. As part of the company's largest-ever investment programme of £11 billion between 2025 and 2030, apprentices are at the heart of that future, with more than 800 new apprenticeships to be created during this period. 


Mike Reader, MP for Northampton South, said: 
“We were joined by apprentices from Anglian Water on our ‘Discover Parliament’ programme, which gives people a chance to see behind the scenes of the Palace of Westminster. We've been to the Commons and the Lords to open up some of the history of this great building. 


“My favourite thing about being an MP is engaging with constituents and helping young people, particularly in the construction sector where I first started my career, and getting involved in democracy and developing their careers.” 


Anglian Water currently supports more than 190 apprentices across 22 different programmes, from operational technicians and degree-level digital to science roles. Almost 90 percent of those who complete their apprenticeship stay on to build long-term careers within the company.  


However, the UK water industry is facing a significant skills shortage. More than a fifth of the current workforce is nearing retirement, and if these gaps aren’t addressed, there simply won’t be enough skilled workers to deliver the infrastructure needed for the significant growth happening in our region. Anglian Water is tackling this head-on through its focus on talent. 


Eugene Donkin, Quantity Surveying Apprentice at Anglian Water, said: 
“It was really insightful to see how everything happens inside Westminster, behind closed doors. I consider myself a bit of a history buff, so it’s really cool to learn about all the intricacies and the history behind everything. 


“I'm from South Africa originally, but growing up, my dad renovated houses on the side and that got me into construction. From there, I looked into the different career paths and saw Quantity Surveying [QS]. Anglian Water was one of the few places I found that actually offered QS apprenticeships, and I specifically wanted an apprenticeship because it gave me the chance to study towards a degree, gain experience and earn a competitive salary.” 


Louise Kent, Network Technician Apprentice at Anglian Water, said: 
“It’s been really nice to have a chat with MP Mike Reader, and it’s been a really interesting day. 


“I was a chef for 20 years before I came here. I thought I needed a career change, and I started to see what was in the water industry and I really loved Anglian Water’s ethos. I’m now a network technician, which is about balancing the network, looking at pressure gauges and making sure customers have their water services.” 


Mateusz Smolinski, Data Analyst Apprentice at Anglian Water, said: 
"The Parliament tour with MP Mike Reader has been brilliant – we've toured around the whole place and learned lots of history, which I’m very fond of. 


“I became an apprentice as I wasn’t very fond of the idea of going to university. I thought the route for me was to go directly into a job, so I started looking for what I was interested in, which was data. I eventually found Anglian Water and after reading everything I found online, I decided that this was the place for me.” 


Find out more about apprenticeship and graduate opportunities at Anglian Water: anglianwatercareers.co.uk/programmes/