Hayden’s journey as an Apprentice Water Technician
Hayden’s journey with Severn Trent began with a passion for learning and a desire to make a real impact. After exploring options beyond traditional education, Hayden discovered an apprenticeship that combined hands-on experience with professional growth.
Today, as an Assistant Water Network Technician apprentice, Hayden plays a vital role in protecting one of our most precious resources—water—while building a career that’s both rewarding and full of possibilities.
Tell us a little bit about you!
I’m Hayden, aged 19 and currently in my second year as an Assistant Water Network Technician apprentice at Severn Trent. I’m passionate about progressing into a Water Network Technician role in the next few years. Over the past year, the apprenticeship has given me hands-on experience and valuable knowledge that motivates me to excel and complete the program to the best of my ability.
Outside of work, I live in a family of six (including our dog, Ted!) with my parents and two younger brothers. I’m a big sports enthusiast—roller hockey, football, and golf are my main passions. I’ve played roller hockey and football since childhood and now coach my younger brother’s football team alongside my Dad. Golf is a more recent hobby I’ve picked up over the last few years.
These interests have helped me develop skills like communication, teamwork, resilience, and perseverance—qualities I apply every day in my role at Severn Trent to overcome challenges and contribute to my team’s success.
What were you doing before starting your apprenticeship at Severn Trent?
I first discovered Severn Trent’s apprenticeship opportunities after finishing my GCSEs when I attended a taster session at the academy. At the time, the timing wasn’t quite right, so I decided to continue my education at King Edward VI College in Nuneaton, where I studied A-levels.
Later, I attended Severn Trent’s “Next Steps” day to learn more about the different apprenticeships and their responsibilities. After completing college, I applied for the Assistant Water Network Technician apprenticeship—and was thrilled to be offered the role. Now, I’m proud to be part of a team that helps deliver an essential service and make a positive impact in my community every day.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship over other options like university?
I chose an apprenticeship because it gives me the chance to earn while I learn, develop my skills, and gain qualifications while working. I enjoy being outdoors in the community where I grew up. Being out and about helping people gives me a great sense of well-being.
Tell us a little bit about your role.
Being an Assistant Water Network Technician apprentice is challenging. Identifying, locating, and pinpointing water leaks within certain areas to help lower leakage figures and maintain water supply is pretty incredible.
I contribute to achieving targets by carrying out different leakage detection methods and some fixes on the water network to stop water wastage—our most valuable resource!
A typical day requires essential skills such as problem-solving, time management, and communication. Every day offers a new challenge.
What’s the most exciting part of your day?
The most exciting part is when “alarm season” hits. Alarm season is the period when we get the most leaks due to changes in weather and water usage. The thrill comes from having to respond quickly and locate leaks that have occurred within an area. Problematic areas can be challenging, but successfully finding the issues the team is looking for gives you a great sense of accomplishment.
Tell us a little bit about your team. What is it like working in an operational team?
The team I’ve been part of since joining has been great. We’re all very supportive of each other, which is highlighted when we use a leakage detection method called a “team sweep.” This is when the whole team comes together to help find water that’s unaccounted for in an area that someone is struggling with. Knowing that others are there to help whenever needed is comforting.
My team is always friendly and maintains a good balance of work and social interaction. The team ethos and spirit keep you going on the coldest and wettest days.
What kind of training have you received since joining?
I’ve received a variety of training, including mandatory courses such as working in the highway, manual handling, health and safety, and first aid. I’ve also completed more specific courses such as PRV awareness and working in excavations.
There are optional courses I would recommend, specifically mental health awareness, lone working, and fire safety.
Every course is beneficial because you never know what situation you might find yourself in. Knowing that you’re prepared through training gives you peace of mind.
What career paths have you discovered since joining that you weren’t aware of before?
Lots! The beauty of working at Severn Trent is that it has many networks that support great communication. I’ve been on a variety of “Day in the Life Of” (DILO) experiences with the CI team (Customer Interaction), which is more customer-focused. In that role, you help customers in person and online with issues such as private leaks, no supply, poor pressure, and more.
Another career path I’ve considered is wastewater. As unpleasant as it sounds, I can appreciate why the roles appeal to some—the science and the cycle waste goes through is mind-blowing.
I’ve learned that it’s important to grow and maintain your networks at all levels of the company to explore roles that suit your personality and preferences best.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how is the role helping you achieve that?
I’m in my second year of my apprenticeship and focused on training to become a Water Network Technician within a year or so. I plan to progress to a Senior WNT or DST role and would also like to continue learning and growing, with leadership roles being part of my long-term plans.
What do you wish you knew before starting your apprenticeship?
I wish I knew more about the company and other roles. Initially, I was quite fixated on my own apprenticeship. Now that I’ve grown my networks within Severn Trent and learned what others do, part of me wishes I had taken more time to explore and understand the breadth of roles available.
I’m very happy doing what I do now, but it’s great to know there are other roles I’ll enjoy when I feel ready.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship here?
I’d say go for it—be curious, be brave, be confident, and don’t be afraid to create a network and ask for help. The support is invaluable if you need advice on a task or general guidance.
The new talent team and your colleagues will have contacts that can help you, and DILO days are available to explore new experiences.
Severn Trent makes me feel valued. The remuneration is also attractive, with the rewards and benefits schemes they offer.
What’s one thing that helped you settle in quickly?
Communication is so important. Investing time in getting to know the people you work with is critical. A good team ethos makes the role rewarding and fun. My advice is to be proactive—introduce yourself, ask questions (no question is silly), be curious, offer opinions, join in, and don’t be afraid to share your strengths.
Most importantly, be patient and kind to yourself. Sometimes things take time to learn and adapt to, especially if tasks are new in a role and environment you’re not used to.
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