Water Corporation: Providing Endless Possibilities Through Their Apprenticeship Program

Water Corporation is the principal supplier of water, wastewater and drainage services in Western Australia to hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses, and farms, as well as providing bulk water to farms for irrigation. As a progressive employer leading the way in flexible work opportunities, they are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all people feel that they belong, are valued, respected and have access to opportunities and resources. With a strong focus on attracting and retaining more women across the organisation, they also provide development opportunities in senior leadership roles and trades.

After many successful rounds, Water Corporation is once again running their State Wide Apprenticeship and Traineeship program. With over 15 roles on offer starting in January 2023, this is an opportunity to earn while you learn and includes full mentoring and support. This program opens the doors to a rewarding full-time career after you have qualified and your training is complete.

Hear from Sarah Gazendam who began her journey at Water Corporation as an apprentice. Once she successfully completed the apprentice program, she secured a permanent role as an Electrical Dual Tradesperson at Water Corporation.

Sarah began her work experience one day a week while completing her Cert II in electrotechnology, and started her apprenticeship in October of 2018 working on the maintenance of electrical equipment and instrumentation equipment with some installation work.

Now employed full-time as an electrician, in the same team that she completed her apprenticeship with, she has also been able to work through the instrumentation course to reach a dual trade qualification.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU IN YOUR WORK? WHAT DO YOU LOVE THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO GO FURTHER?

“Learning new things, problem-solving, and overcoming challenges. I love learning new things that assist me in my ability to be able to fault find when assets have electrical faults. I have the ability to grow and advance in my career with the Water Corporation from team leader to engineering to many other pathways.”

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHAT IT WAS LIKE WORKING AT WATER CORPORATION?

“Water Corporation is a great company for work-life balance. They have a wide variety of equipment and assets to work on and there is also an ability to move throughout the corporation and work all over the state.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE AND PEOPLE AT WATER CORPORATION?

“Collaborative, respectful, inclusive & accepting. I had previously only had casual jobs before my apprenticeship, so it was nice to come to a company where people want to have a career and be here long-term, where they put more effort into making the workplace a good one.

It has been an extremely supportive environment, especially in my transition from apprentice to a tradesperson. I have been given a lot of assistance and guidance as I have adjusted to my new role where I now work independently vs always working with someone as an apprentice.”

HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AND DEVELOPED AT WATER CORPORATION?

“I have been able to complete a trade, cert IV in instrumentation, Elevating Work Platform, and dogging High Risk Work Licence. I also gained extensive knowledge of how water and wastewater treatment systems work. Personally, I have grown into a more confident person. I attend career mentoring with my service delivery manager and that has given me a better idea of what I want for my personal and professional future, and it has outlined how the company can help me get there. It has also given me the opportunity to build a house with my partner.”

WHAT DOES FLEXIBLE WORK LOOK LIKE IN YOUR TEAM?

“I was able to study from home to complete my instrumentation course. I was also given extra time before my capstone was due to study and practice testing.”

WHAT BENEFITS HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED PERSONALLY IN BEING ABLE TO WORK FLEXIBLY?

“I was able to study in the quiet of my own home to complete my instrumentation course and to do the training to become a Water Corporation mental health champion.”

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2023 TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM 

APPLY NOW

Start your journey with Water Corporation and apply today! This is an amazing opportunity to receive on the job learning, whilst undertaking structured, accredited training and become a qualified Tradesperson in 4 years.