BRIDGWATER College has teamed up with Wessex Water to provide a purposebuilt educational facility that will give young apprentices the skills required to work in the water industry.

Twelve students at the college will be the first to learn how to repair and maintain typical pipework used to supply water to people throughout the west.

The new centre at Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre will give the apprentices the hands-on skills required to gain an NVQ Level 2.

The course, developed by Wessex Water in partnership with the college, offers the potential for a full-time role in the company’s main laying and repair and maintenance teams, as well as achieving their NVQ qualification.

Ali Hobbs, of Wessex Water’s human resource team, said: “We’re very excited to be working in partnership with Bridgwater College with this new scheme which provides a great opportunity to learn the skills required for a successful career.

“The importance of apprenticeships is ever-growing these days and it’s very rewarding to see young people grow and develop into the world of work.”

The course which began in September and will continue for the next two years will see students spend the majority of their apprenticeship on a special site which been created so the apprentices can carry out practical tasks such as putting water mains together and laying them in the ground.

To find out more about Wessex Water’s apprenticeships and job vacancies visit www.wessexwater.co.uk/careers