Apprentice takes to job like a duck to water

NO pun intended, but modern apprentice Mark Turner says he fell into a career in the water industry.
Sixteen months ago, Mark was on a Task Force Green programme and saving to head to Australia when he was offered a job as a water technician by Carterton District Council, and since then hasn't looked back.
"I certainly didn't consciously consider a career in the water industry," Mark says, "but when I found out more about it, there are so many opportunities in New Zealand and overseas, that I said 'yes ?V I'm in'."
Not long after Mark accepted the position as a water technician, he was approached by Water Industry Training about a modern apprenticeship and as such he would learn on the job and take part in regular off-job training with industry specialists.
Working to a personalised training plan he gets regular visits and personal mentoring support from the Water Industry Training Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator, Henry Samia.
Mark works in all three areas of the water industry ?V water site operator, level 4 and says he would ultimately like to gain a National Diploma in water treatment, drinking water and site technician, level 5.
"I'm really loving the job.
"There's so much variety in water treatment and reticulation, especially in a smaller town like Carterton," Mark said.
"I get good support from Henry, who visits me every three months for an assessment and to set my future training goals, and I'm also getting opportunities to increase my skills in other areas, such as my HT licence, which is great."
And Carterton District Council operations manager Garry Baker says the decision to take on a young person to train came about after he became aware that the average age of water technicians was in their mid to late 50s.
"We decided to take on Mark to give him an opportunity and get him into the water industry at a young age," Mr Baker said.
"The modern apprenticeship scheme comes at no cost to us as an employer and there are lots of benefits, including getting good support from Water Industry Training.
"Mark's as keen as anything ?V it's working well," Mr Baker said.
Water Industry training manager Graeme Sawyer said New Zealand was experiencing an acute shortage of water and wastewater treatment operators, which was exacerbated by an aging workforce.
"Carterton District Council is to be applauded for having the faith in Mark to take him on as a young, inexperienced person and support him through a modern apprenticeship. And, taking on a young person shows good foresight in succession planning as the council looks to its future skill requirements.
Water Industry Training is keen to talk to other councils or local bodies about modern apprenticeships to help attract young people into the industry and rapidly develop their skills, Mr Sawyer said.
And as for the future, Mark said he was focused on completing his apprenticeship by the end of next year.
"I've got heaps on my plate right now and lots of challenges and responsibilities which are keeping me busy.
"To any other young people considering a career in the water industry, I'd say 'just go for it' ?V there are so many opportunities and such a shortage of skilled water operators."
Water Industry Training designs the training and sets the standards for excellence in water industry education and training to employees, employers and the industry.
It offers a range of subsidised training courses for people of all ages and levels of experience employed in the water industry, covering water treatment, wastewater and reticulation.
?? For more information call 0800 WaterIT (0800 928 374)