Careers in water industry benefit from mentoring scheme

The scheme began last year in response to demand from the Institute’s members. Members in the scheme can get advice on their careers and hear about potential opportunities.

The mentoring scheme is of particular support to younger members and those new to the water industry as they can benefit from the Institute’s more experienced members’ knowledge.

The programme also gives members the opportunity to gain new perspectives and deal with challenges in the job and simply have someone on hand to talk things over with.

Jeremy Chang, a programme optimisation senior analyst from Thames Water is one mentee who has benefited from the scheme. He was paired with a senior manager from the contractor side of the industry.

He said: “My discussions with my mentor have given me valuable advice about my career, what potential opportunities there are and how I should pursue them.

“Being able to communicate with him as a person connected and familiar with the industry, but not part of Thames Water has probably been the most useful thing.”

The Institute of Water is encouraging more experienced members to become members to they can share their knowledge and experience.

To request a mentor or to become an Institute of Water member, telephone 0191 422 0088 or email clare@instituteof water.org.uk. or visit the Institute of Water website.

Alison Brown