Apprenticeship Partner
South West Water
Full-time
On-site
Bristol or Exeter, United Kingdom
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
About the Role
As we continue to strengthen our early careers strategy, we’re seeking an Apprenticeship Partner to lead the design, delivery, and ongoing enhancement of our apprenticeship programmes. This role is ideal for someone who’s passionate about developing future talent, understands apprenticeship frameworks and funding mechanisms, and thrives on building inclusive, high-impact learning experiences that meet both organisational and regulatory standards.
In the short to medium term, the focus will be on optimising our use of the Apprenticeship Levy and ensuring our programmes align with workforce planning and emerging skills needs. Over time, the role will evolve to include broader responsibilities across the early careers landscape—such as strengthening relationships with external training providers, supporting internal stakeholders with programme delivery, and contributing to the development of a robust pipeline of early talent across the business.
This role will be based in Exeter or Bristol but there will be occasional travel between sites across the business including Bournemouth and Redhill.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Coordinate the end-to-end delivery of apprenticeship programmes across the Group.
- Partner with business units to identify apprenticeship opportunities aligned to strategic workforce needs.
- Manage relationships with training providers to ensure programme quality, compliance, and learner support.
- Support onboarding, induction, and pastoral care for apprentices.
- Monitor and report on apprenticeship metrics including retention, progression, DEI, and ROI.
- Ensure effective use of the Apprenticeship Levy and compliance with funding regulations.
- Contribute to the development of future-fit learning pathways and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Champion inclusive practices in recruitment and development of apprentices.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience supporting or managing apprenticeship programmes.
- Knowledge of the Apprenticeship Levy and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working with training providers and educational institutions.
- Understanding of inclusive recruitment and learner support practices.
- Comfortable working with data to track programme performance and impact.
- Passionate about developing early talent and supporting career growth.
- Highly organised with strong planning and coordination skills.
- Collaborative and confident in building relationships across teams and providers.
- Committed to inclusive practices and continuous improvement.
- Able to balance operational delivery with strategic thinking.
- Strong communicator with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.
What's In It For You?
- We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
£50,000 - £55,000 a year
Closing Date: 14th October 2025.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.