22/08/2008

A group of North East water workers, who are the first in the country to attain a specialised national qualification, have been recognised.

Northumbrian Water’s Stephen Bainbridge, aged 42 from Durham, Malcolm Barrass, aged 55 from Hexham, Frank Bell, aged 54 from Wolsingham, Tony Cartmell, aged 42, from Consett, Wayne Cave, aged 34 from Blakelaw, Stephen Daglish, aged 45 from Consett, Peter Lockeron, aged 42 from Consett, Tony Smith, aged 42 from Whitburn, Andrew Hindmarsh, aged 27 from Throckley, Ken Pratt, aged 60 from Whickham, Paul Ramsay, aged 42 from Whickham and Jeff Robinson, aged 48 from Wearhead, have all successfully achieved NVQ Level 2 in Operating Process Plant.

Designed around the skills and knowledge people use in their jobs, National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) measure and recognise competence at work. NVQs are based on national occupational standards and assessment is portfolio-based, so it is completed ‘on the job’.

The NVQ Level 2 in Operating Process Plant has been developed specifically to meet the national occupational standards set by the water, electricity, gas and waste management industries to achieve competent operator status. This ensures the qualification incorporates the best possible working practices.

Hard work and dedication was acknowledged at the water company’s skills awards dinner held at Beamish Hall Hotel in County Durham. Motivational guest speaker and three-times Olympic gold medallist, Kriss Akabusi, added sparkle and helped instil pride into those at the event.

In total, 64 Northumbrian Water employees were rewarded, with qualifications attained including NVQ Level 2 in customer services, NVQ Level 2 in business administration, NVQ Level 2 in meter reading, NVQ Level 2 in team leading, NVQ Level 3 in engineering maintenance, BTEC HNC in business and HNC in civil engineering.   

Production Team Leader, Andrew Hindmarsh, aged 27, who lives in Throckley, Newcastle upon Tyne and works at Barkers Haugh sewage treatment works in Durham City, said: “The skills awards dinner was a fantastic night and it was great to meet other people from around the business that you wouldn’t normally come into contact with. I am very proud to be one of only a handful of people in the country to gain a new national qualification and it was a welcome pat on the back for a job well done.”

Diane Morton, Director of Human Resources, said: “People are Northumbrian Water’s most valuable asset. We rely on the skills and talents of our people, and so it was a pleasure to recognise how proud we are of their achievements.

“We signed the Government’s skills pledge at the end of last year which means we have publicly committed to supporting 90% of our workforce, that’s around 2600 people, to achieve at least NVQ Level 2 by 2010.”

Customer advisor Gaynor Townley, aged 35, from Houghton Le Spring, works at Northumbrian Water’s Head Office at Pity Me, Durham and achieved a Level 2 NVQ in customer services. She said: “Receiving my award made me feel valued as an employee, and the qualification I’ve achieved will help me deliver excellent customer service.”

Production Operator Kel Scott, aged 24, from Woodstone Village, Houghton le Spring, who works at Hendon Sewage Treatment Works in Sunderland, achieved a BTEC HNC in business. He said: “I have worked hard to achieve my HNC and I’m thrilled that this has been recognised. The fact that Northumbrian Water has chosen to invest in me as an individual shows that it’s a company that strives to develop its workforce.”

Meter Reader Stan Drew, aged 52, from Wallsend, achieved Level 2 NVQ in meter reading. He said: “I joined Northumbrian Water a year ago and I’ve already been given the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised qualification. Being invited to receive my award at a fabulous ceremony was a real treat!”

For more information contact Leanne Clough on 0191 301 6733.