Northumberland Skills learner making waves with Northumbrian Water

27 Jun 2025

A talented local engineering student is celebrating success after securing a competitive apprenticeship with Northumbrian Water.

Sarah Turner, 17 from Whitley Bay, is currently completing her Advanced Manufacturing Engineering qualification at Northumberland Skills’ state-of-the-art campus at the Energy Central Learning Hub at Port of Blyth. With encouragement from her Lecturer, Sarah applied for an apprenticeship opportunity with Northumbrian Water. Following the shortlisting process, she joined numerous high calibre candidates from across the region at interview and was successfully selected for the role.

Sarah’s achievement reflects her hard work, commitment and outstanding potential – all of which impressed the panel during the recruitment process.

Northumbrian Water’s Regional Maintenance Manager, Gary Ferguson, said: “It is great to have Sarah onboard as part of our apprentice scheme at Northumbrian Water. We will continue to build on the skills she has already developed at Northumberland Skills, alongside her hobbies which include the maintenance of her trails bike.

“Sarah’s application was of a very high standard, and during her interview and presentation she spoke with confidence. The content of her presentation was excellent – a true credit to her ability and training.”

In her new role, Sarah will be based across various sites in Tyneside and Northumberland, working alongside experienced technicians to carry out both reactive and planned maintenance. She’ll gain hands-on experience with motor control centres, programmable logic controllers, instrumentation, telemetry systems and pressure, level and flow monitoring equipment.

As part of her training, Sarah will also learn how to read and fault-find from electrical drawings, identifying and sourcing faulty components. She’ll work towards a Level 3 Diploma through a modern apprenticeship, with the opportunity to progress to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) and gain professional registration with the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET).

Sarah said: “I’ve always wanted to work in engineering, and studying at Northumberland Skills gave me the chance to develop both my technical knowledge and my confidence. I’ve learned so much – from how to use advanced machinery to understanding what it takes to thrive in a real workplace.

“I learn best when I can see and do – and here, you’re not just reading or listening, you’re actually using equipment, following instructions and gaining skills that employers value. It’s made me feel completely prepared for what’s next. And getting the apprenticeship with Northumbrian Water is a dream come true – I’m really proud to be taking this next step in my career.”

Northumberland Skills’ Advanced Manufacturing Engineering curriculum lead and Sarah’s Lecturer, Paul Cottiss, said: “We’re so proud of Sarah. This is exactly what we aim for – combining Sarah’s own hard work and natural talent with our focus on delivering work-ready skills, attitudes and behaviours that employers value. She’s going to be a brilliant addition to the industry.”

Northumberland Skills’ Energy Central Learning Hub gives young people the chance to learn in a real-world, industry-aligned environment, supported by experienced lecturers and purpose-built training rigs designed in partnership with industry experts.

Northumberland Skills is hosting a number of free taster events for school leavers finishing their GCSEs this summer and interested in a high-growth, high-potential career in renewable engineering or advanced manufacturing.

Their next taster for school leavers looking to pursue a career in engineering is on Saturday 5th July, 10am–1pm, at the Energy Central Learning Hub, Port of Blyth. Register for a free place on Eventbrite at northumberlandskills.eventbrite.com/