A new qualification specifically developed for the water industry by the specialist training provider Watertrain is proving a great success and is set to be expanded.
Watertrain has been delivering the Level 4 Diploma in Water Industry Operations and Management since August 2014 for professionals working within the industry.
The Diploma offers a choice of pathways and modules for managers and team leaders who want to learn more about the discipline within which they are working, as well as covering the practical skills needed to become a successful manager.
The programme, which is open to both individual learners and those already working in the industry, covers subjects including the structure and organisation of the water industry, leadership and management, managing finance, research projects and managing wastewater facilities.
Almost 200 students have been enrolled on programmes across the country to date with the first cohorts now approaching completion.
Southern Water were the first company to enrol staff on the new Diploma. Their Chief Executive and Chairman of the Board were among senior executives attending a recent event organised by Watertrain, where the first cohort were giving presentations on their Research Project unit.
One of the projects has already been implemented by Southern Water because of the business cost savings and other risk management benefits it identified. Early indications are that those savings will more than recover the cost of the whole Diploma programme. Southern Water have just confirmed that they are now proceeding with three more cohorts on this Level 4 Diploma with attendees from right across the business.
Glenn Jackson, Director of Learning and Development for Watertrain, said: “The qualification gives people working in the wider water industry a broader understanding of the sector and enables candidates to tailor the qualification to their specific needs to enhance their knowledge and skills to enable further personal development. The Diploma has been very well received and levels of retention and achievement are exceptionally high. The course has become the new standard for the water sector.
“It is particularly encouraging that many students are now looking to further their studies beyond Level 4 as they develop their careers. Watertrain is now in discussion with Aston University, an academic partner, to develop a Level 5 and possibly a Level 6 pathway.
“Due to the success of this Diploma, Watertrain are looking to widen the appeal and access by offering regionally-based programmes to give candidates the opportunity to attend as individuals or from smaller companies.”
You can find out more about the Diploma at www.level4water.com or contact
info@watertrain.co.uk.
With the advent of the Apprenticeship Levy payable from next April there is a strong demand from employers for a Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard for use across their businesses.
To support a number of their clients, Watertrain are co-ordinating the creation of an Employer Group who will then put an Expression of Interest into the Department of Education for approval to develop a new Standard that would then be able to attract Levy and mainstream apprenticeship funding.
The Level 4 Diploma could be the starting point for a Standard covering a number of potential pathways under a Water Operations Manager role description. If a Level 4 Standard could be of interest to your business or if you would like to contribute to the development Employer Group then please contact
info@watertrain.co.uk
