Tetra Tech Scheme Creates Career Pathway for Jobseekers

This scheme was recently established to provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to Tetra Tech and United Utilities’ £100 million contract to improve water quality in the Northwest of England. As part of the contract, Tetra Tech is utilising resources and strategies to demonstrate social value and benefit the community they work with.

The programme is supported by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as part of an initiative to provide a pathway for individuals to transition from universal credit to full-time employment. Julia Paterson, Talent Acquisition Partner, who helped with the interviews and onboarding process for the candidates, explains, “They get the opportunity to get some work experience, learn more about the business, and gain some new qualifications.”

As part of their training, the nine candidates have completed a series of exercises, lessons, and tests, including Street Works, Water Hygiene, Manual Lifting, and Health and Safety Training that qualifies their competency as Trainee Leakage Technicians.

Trevor Bailey, Regional Manager, led the training for the candidates, “Over the course of two weeks, they have seen the role in detail, been on site, and met several people from the team who will become their colleagues. Following the successful navigation of the scheme, I feel confident we have 9 individuals who are motivated by what we have on offer.”

This has been coupled with on-site work experience and a series of examinations to demonstrate their knowledge. Julia added, “During this process, the candidates were in charge of organising their travel, timekeeping, and communication. This allowed us to see how they display the professional behaviours needed for an employee who is looking to advance and improve their career”.

John Larder, Training Manager, supported the training of the candidates, detailing the hard work each candidate demonstrated. “All of these individuals have been amazing, putting in a tremendous amount of effort. This kind of scheme opens the door for more people to have opportunities who wouldn’t have them otherwise. It allows them to go on and have successful careers."

All nine candidates have completed the course and passed with flying colours. 

As a result, all of them have been formally offered employment as Trainee Leakage Technicians at Tetra Tech.
Stephen Conlin, Senior Recruitment Manager for DWP, said, “This programme is truly unique, not only because it offers our customers new qualifications and full-time roles, but I’ve seen first-hand how ultimately life-changing this programme truly is. It’s not just about finding people a job, it’s about opening the door to real careers and brighter futures for our customers.”

One candidate shared, “This is my chance to make my kids proud. I left school with nothing, so to have this opportunity will change my life and my family’s lives.”

With the qualifications and experience, these individuals are provided with an opportunity to start a career, build their skills, and contribute positively to their community.

Tetra Tech plans to replicate the initiative UK-wide across other divisions of the organisation.

Stephen shared some inspirational words at their induction, “In our roles, we often talk about 'changing people’s lives', but it’s moments like this that remind us just how real that impact is. We’re so proud of what’s been achieved, and we’re looking forward to changing even more lives in the future, continuing our partnership with Tetra Tech to create opportunities, careers, and lasting change.”