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Former youth professional footballer takes plunge with Anglian Water Business apprenticeship

Posted: 25th August 2016

owen forrest

A former youth professional footballer will today begin a three year Modern Apprenticeship to train as a mechanical engineer with Anglian Water Business, splitting his time between gaining practical experience based at the company’s Edinburgh office and completing his studies at Fife College.

Having formally played professional football at youth level for clubs such as Rangers, Hibernian FC and Dundee United, Owen Forrest , who lives in Livingston, decided to apply for the Modern Apprenticeship with Anglian Water Business and was delighted when he was selected. Upon completion of the three year Modern Apprenticeship he will work full time with the company delivering new connection services for customers. Earlier this year Anglian Water Business took over the contract for the billing of water services to Scotland’s public sector and has made a commitment to apprenticeships in delivering the contract. It is anticipated that a second apprentice will be taken on in September.

Modern Apprenticeships help employers to develop their workforce by training new staff, and upskilling existing employees. For individuals, a Modern Apprenticeship is a job which lets them earn a wage and gain an industry-recognised qualification. In his first year he will assist Anglian Water Business’ connections team carrying out technical assessments of designs, creating quotations, meeting customers on site and keeping up to date with the latest standards.

Upon completion of his college studies at the end of his second year, Owen will become a full time member of staff for the final year of his apprenticeship training. The 19 year old was previously employed by the Co-Op in a customer focused role. In addition to providing a number of Modern Apprenticeships, Anglian Water Business is an Accredited Living Wage employer and has signed up to the Scottish Business Pledge, committing to a number of fair work practices, bringing jobs and training to Scotland.

Commenting on his joining Anglian Water Business, Owen said: “I am really looking forward to getting stuck in with Anglian Water Business, and seeing their strong commitment to delivering apprenticeships I am delighted to have taken the plunge with them.”

Skills Development Scotland Relationship Account Executive Vicki MacLean has been working with Anglian Water Business for the last few months, offering recruitment advice, training information and funding support. She said: “It is always great to see the commitment of a company like Anglian Water Business being matched by the enthusiasm of an apprentice like Owen and knowing that there will be real benefits to both of them.”

Anglian Water Business Managing Director, Bob Wilson, said: “We are committed to our apprenticeship programme and to finding and nurturing talented young people in Scotland. Owen will play a key role over the course of the delivery of the contract and we’re really excited to have him on board.”

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