Become a partner

Anglian Water Alliances sponsor a full-time Level 2 construction programme at MK College, the Anglian Water Alliances Construction programme, a bespoke course designed as a long-term partnership between industry and education.

As part of the programme, which is delivered at the College’s Chaffron Way campus, students can try the career while studying and are guaranteed an apprentice interview with Anglian Water’s partner companies once they have completed their studies.

The course provides practical skills, hands-on learning and real site experience, with students also having the opportunity to learn from experienced employees from Anglian Water and their Alliance partner companies.

David Newsome, Collaborative Skills Programme Manager, says, “The course was developed as part of our commitment to investing in the communities we serve and providing opportunities for young people that they might not otherwise have had.

“This isn’t a normal college course. The first day of their college studies is the first day of their job interview with us, effectively, so it’s a great way for us to bring talented and committed people into our organisation.

As the programme sponsor, we and our partner companies provide work experience, specialist plant, materials, lecturing, mentorship, tablets if the students need them, and PPE. Everything we deliver is designed to help provide the skills and knowledge the students need to enable them to become work-ready apprentices and hit the ground running.

“The College are very flexible, they understand the demands from business, and they work very collaboratively. We’re looking forward to developing our relationship over the coming years and exploring what other opportunities there may be for us to work together across other parts of the business.”

David Newsome

Collaborative Skills Programme Manager – Anglian Water Alliances

BSH Home Appliances has been working in partnership with MK College to deliver its staff training and professional development programmes for around five years.

Gemma Ford, Group Manager Learning and Development, says the relationship is one built on experience, knowledge and trust.

Gemma says, “It’s important to me to work with a training provider who makes the effort to get to know our company and our people, and MK College are brilliant at that. They ensure the training we receive is completely bespoke to BSH and meets our needs.

“In the last few years, we’ve developed open sessions for our staff on topics such as project management, Excel and presentation skills, as well as a bespoke leadership training programme for managers and supervisors.

“The industry expertise and knowledge the tutors have is second to none. At BSH, we’ve been able to roll out more training than we’d originally planned, because the College has such depth to its offering, with tutors across a wide range of different occupational areas.

“We also have around 18 interns on a yearly basis and the College provide support and training for them as they manage the transition from university to employment.

“When it came to hiring apprentices for our business, MK College were the natural choice. They have been supportive with helping us find right apprenticeships for the roles we have in the business and keeping us updated with their progress.

“I’ve been really impressed with how the College has adapted to meet different challenges, especially during the pandemic, with all our meetings and training sessions moving online.

“I’d recommend working with MK College to any other employers – they understand business, they provide training that is bespoke to your individual needs, and they have so much industry knowledge. They’re a great partner to have and we’re looking forward to working with them to develop our training offer for 2021-22.”

Gemma Ford

Group Manager Learning and Development – BSH Home Appliances Ltd