Sparkling achievement
15/05/2007
The achievement of employees of a top North East company has been recognised.
Northumbrian Water relies on the skills and talent of its people and has rewarded thirty-seven water workers, from across the region, for gaining a company funded, nationally recognised academic qualification.
Award winners featured in this release include Michael Baker (BSc (Hons) Water & Environmental Management) from Newcastle upon Tyne, Ben Gilbert (BTEC L3 Civil Engineering) from Whitley Bay, Tyneside, Diane Jenner (NVQ Level 2 Contact Centre Operations) from Sunderland, Wearside, Tracey Milburn (NVQ Level 2 Customer Service) from Chester le Street, County Durham, Nima Mostoufi (BSc (Hons) Mathematics) from South Shields, South Tyneside and Stephen Mudd (HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering) from Middlesbrough, Tees Valley.
Hard work, dedication and motivation were acknowledged at the water company’s skills awards dinner, at Beamish Hall Hotel in County Durham, which was attended by, special guest and motivational speaker, Olympic gold medallist Kriss Akabusi.
Qualifications attained range from NVQ Level 2 in Contact Centre Operations to a BSc (Hons) degree in Water and Environmental Management.
Kriss Akabusi added charisma, excitement and energy to the event which showcased top quality employees who help to ensure 2.6 million customers across the North East receive essential top quality water and wastewater services.
Special awards were also given to two employees who stood out as ‘going the extra mile’. Tracey Milburn, from Chester le Street, was presented with the North East Chamber of Commerce Vocational Excellence Award 2007 which recognised Tracey’s traits, including an excellent attitude towards her NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service and her support and encouragement to her colleagues.
Michael Baker, from Newcastle upon Tyne, received a Northumbrian Water Special Achievement Award in recognition of his considerable achievement in gaining a first class honours degree as well as his ability to implement the theory from his BSc (Hons) in Water and Environmental Management in his day-to-day role working in Northumbrian Water’s control room. The control room monitors and controls the company’s strategic water and wastewater networks.
Diane Morton, Northumbrian Water’s human resources director, said: “It was a real pleasure to recognise the exemplary efforts of people who are critical to our business in this way. Hopefully their achievement will encourage their colleagues. It is intended to really celebrate employees’ success and let them know how proud the company is of their achievement.
“Employee development is a key component of our people plan and with partnerships established with the North East Chamber of Commerce and Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School we want to support at least 90% of our workforce to achieve at least NVQ Level 2 by 2010.”
WINNERS QUOTES
Network control team leader, Michael Baker, who is based in Washington and lives in Newcastle upon Tyne, said: “I was absolutely gob smacked to receive the Northumbrian Water Special Achievement Award – it was totally unexpected! I am delighted. All my hard work has paid off and I would like to thank my management for the support they have given me and for having faith in my ability.”
Trainee planning engineer, Ben Gilbert, who is based in Durham and lives in Whitley Bay, said: “To have my hard work recognised in this way means a huge amount to me. Although it has been tough at times, I know my effort will be worthwhile. My Dad works at Northumbrian Water too and he is really proud, as is my Mum, which is great!”
Call Centre customer adviser, Diane Jenner, who is based in Durham and lives in Sunderland, said: “I feel so incredibly proud of myself. Receiving this award shows that I work for a company that appreciates its people and it also makes me feel like I have met my managers’ expectations which is a real boost!”
Correspondence customer adviser, Tracey Milburn, who is based in Durham and lives in Chester le Street, said: “I am stunned that I have won the North East Chamber of Commerce Vocational Excellence Award. I feel honoured and very pleased that my hard work and that of my colleagues has been recognised at such a special event. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Data analyst, Nima Mostoufi, who is based in Washington and lives in South Shields, said: “I have found doing the work to get my qualification quite difficult but it has definitely been worth it. I think it is rare for an employer to give so much back to its staff like Northumbrian Water has done by arranging the awards event. I really appreciate the recognition I have been given. There is more to come from me!”
Engineer, Stephen Mudd, who is based in Durham and lives in Middlesbrough, said: “I am overwhelmed that my achievement has been recognised at such a special event. I am very grateful for the opportunity the company has given me to gain my qualification. Although the awards event recognised individual success I also feel I have represented my department and done them proud!”