Pennon : welcomes new UK Energy and Utilities recruitment strategy

The publication today (Thursday 9 February) of the Energy & Utilities Skills Partnership's 10-year strategy (http://www.euskills.co.uk/energy-and-utilities-businesses-unite-address-skills-gap) to address skills gaps in the sector has been welcomed by Exeter-based Pennon Group, owner of South West Water, Bournemouth Water and Viridor, and one of the largest employers in the South West region.

The energy and utilities sector requires 221,000 new recruits by 2027, in order to provide the essential services its customers seek and the infrastructure the UK needs for its economic growth. Industry leaders have come together, as the Energy & Utilities Skills Partnership, to build and launch the first ever joint Workforce Renewal and Skills Strategy for the sector.

Dr Stephen Bird, Managing Director of South West Water, Board Member of Pennon Group Plc and a Member of the Energy & Utilities Skills Partnership Council, said:

'Action today will help to deliver the right workforce of tomorrow. We welcome this national initiative to address the UK's skills gap. Ensuring that we have skilled engineers and scientists to create a prosperous future is mission critical. As one of the largest environmental infrastructure groups in the UK, Pennon employs around 5,000 people across the water and waste sectors. We are continually looking to deliver our services in ever-more efficient and innovative ways, and our people are crucial to our success. In a constrained jobs market it is important that we work collaboratively with other businesses to get more people work and job ready.

'At South West Water, our award-winning apprenticeship programme and sponsorship of the new South Devon University Technical College is helping to attract a pipeline of new talent to serve our customers' future needs, and delivering a more sustainable future for the region.'

For more information visit http://www.euskills.co.uk/energy-and-utilities-businesses-unite-address-skills-gap