Bridging Generations: NI Water’s Innovative Apprenticeship Scheme
Overview
Five years ago, NI Water joined Diversity Mark, committing to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. Through data analysis, they identified a critical issue – an ageing skilled workforce that could lead to a significant skills gap in the near future. To address this challenge, NI Water developed a pioneering apprenticeship program aimed at attracting young talent, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, while also retaining experienced employees through mentorship and flexible working arrangements.
The Diversity Mark Framework provided NI Water with a structured approach to assess and address workforce challenges. The independent feedback and evaluation from Diversity Mark played a crucial role in shaping their journey.
Background
NI Water’s workforce demographics highlighted a pressing concern: a large portion of their skilled employees were nearing retirement age. Without a proactive approach, the company risked losing invaluable knowledge and expertise, leading to operational challenges. The organisation took decisive action by launching an apprenticeship scheme to bring in young talent and ensure knowledge transfer from seasoned employees.
Key Initiatives from NI Water
1. Development of an Apprenticeship Program
- NI Water designed a multi-award winning apprenticeship program that welcomed young individuals, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 70% of apprenticeship programmes in the UK require GSCE Maths and English Grade C and above, yet research suggests that 50% of young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds leave school without these qualifications. NI Water made significant changes to its recruitment practice in 2023 via the removal of GCSE essential criteria for entry level and re-skilling programmes and replacing them with numeracy and literacy tests to assess competence.
- The initiative removed unnecessary barriers, provided structured training, hands-on experience, and career development opportunities.
2. Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer
- Every apprentice was paired with an experienced mentor, ensuring a smooth transfer of knowledge.
- Older employees were given the option to reduce their working hours while still playing a valuable role in upskilling the next generation.
3. Strengthening Workplace Bonds
- The mentorship program fostered meaningful relationships between experienced employees and apprentices.
- Beyond technical skills, mentors have even been teaching their apprentices life skills, such as cooking, reinforcing a strong sense of camaraderie and workplace culture.
Success Stories: Meet the People Behind the Program
Alan McKinney, a highly skilled engineer with over 30 years of experience, was considering early retirement, until the apprenticeship programme changed his plans. After being paired with Ross Hannigan, a 28-year-old apprentice, Alan McKinney found renewed purpose. Working reduced hours, he now enjoys passing on his expertise and has decided to stay with the organisation beyond his planned retirement. His mentorship goes beyond technical skills, helping Ross Hannigan build both confidence and career readiness. Their bond has even extended outside of work, with Alan McKinney teaching Ross Hannigan how to cook!
Outcomes and Impact
- A new generation of skilled workers is emerging, ensuring NI Water’s long-term operational success.
- Older employees feel valued and remain engaged in the workforce, easing the transition to retirement.
- A strong culture of mentorship and inclusivity has developed within the organisation.
Insights from NI Water
Alison Sweeney, ED&I Lead from NI Water said,
“The success of our apprenticeship program has exceeded our expectations. Not only have we been able to bring in talented young individuals, but we have also retained invaluable expertise within our company. The bonds formed between our apprentices and mentors have enriched our workplace culture, and we are proud to support career progression across generations.”
Conclusion
NI Water’s apprenticeship program showcases the power of forward-thinking workforce planning and inclusive employment strategies.
This programme currently employs 94 apprentices. By addressing the age gap through mentorship and training, NI Water has built a sustainable model for skill retention and intergenerational collaboration. The Diversity Mark Framework, structure, and independent feedback were instrumental in this journey, providing NI Water with the guidance and validation needed to create meaningful, lasting change.
Diversity Mark: Recognising Commitment to Inclusion
Diversity Mark is proud to highlight the success of NI Water’s apprenticeship program. If your organisation is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we encourage you to take inspiration from NI Water’s journey and invest in the future of your workforce.
If you would like to know how Diversity Mark can support your organisation in its EDI journey, please book a call here.
