NI Water has announced plans to recruit 23 apprentices, higher level apprentices and graduates NI Wide for its September 2025 intake.
The utility company is recruiting across a diverse range of business disciplines including Water Utilities, Energy, Science, Business Analytics, Finance and Information Management as part of its award-winning Entry Level Academy. Last year NI Water won The Irish News award for Best Employee Development Programme (Large Business) at the Irish News Workplace and Employment (2024) and was also Highly Commended in the Corporate Community Champion category at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2024.
NI Water’s Entry Level Academy aims to attract school leavers, at GCSE and A-Level stages, graduates and people who would like to change their career and step into a role that makes a difference.
If applicants are successful, benefits include an attractive reward package from day one including attractive salary, structured career development and fully funded qualifications and subsidised driving lessons.
NI Water hosted a virtual open evening event on Thursday 6th February for applicants to learn more about NI Water’s Entry Level Academy, where they heard from business leaders and the Entry Level Academy team.
Geraldine Hume, NI Water Entry Level Manager, said:
“It is a privilege to manage a hundred plus graduates, apprentices and higher-level apprentices at NI Water’s double award winning Entry Level Academy. I enjoy every minute with the students, from they commence their six week bootcamp, through their educational pathway and on the job learning. Its full of fun, laughter and adventure. The pivotal moment for me is graduation day, to be able to watch, listen and celebrate all their successes, I could burst with pride!”
Jamie Henry, NI Water GIS Graduate from the North Coast, said:
“I was a student at Queen’s studying Geography and I graduated the summer before joining NI Water. What attracted me to that was seeing how NI Water was able to integrate GIS into their work. NI Water also provide funding for a Masters in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Ulster University and so this attracted me as I didn’t have to fund it myself.
“The journey into NI Water was very straight forward as there was constant contact and I never felt confused. Getting to meet so many different people, especially in my team, has been really enjoyable and everyone is really supportive. My induction into my business area was very insightful and it gave me a full scope of what goes on within my team.
“I would definitely recommend applying as getting to work full-time as well as studying a part-time funded Masters is an experience you can’t pass on. Getting into a routine of things helps so much in many aspects of your life, and being part of a company who really cares about you as an individual makes it all worth doing!”
Katie Harper, NI Water HLA Construction Engineer from Omagh, said:
“I was completing A-Levels in Construction in South West College before I applied to NI Water, I wanted to continue my studies and gain industry relevant experience. The ability to have a specialised mentorship throughout rotations allows for development of new skills and knowledge both general and specific to each area. The entry level academy helped introduce me to new colleague gaining friendship, team building skills and confidence.
“The experience so far has been brilliant, the support from everyone made the transition from College to NI Water easier. The opportunity to pursue higher education without the accompanying student fees is very beneficial.
“I would recommend the ELA to anyone whether you are a school leaver or looking for a career change. The opportunities at NI Water are diverse and exciting.”
To find out more go to www.niwater.com/entrylevelacademy
