South West Water Mum and Son Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week After Both Completing Apprenticeships

Like Mother, Like Son: 32 Years Apart, This South West Water Family Story Shows Why Apprenticeships Still Matter

As National Apprenticeship Week runs from 9th to 15th February, a mum and son at South West Water are proving that apprenticeships can stand the test of time.

More than three decades after starting her own career as an apprentice, Kate Sprake has watched her son Charlie complete his apprenticeship with the same company, achieving a distinction.

From £29.50 a Week to Cyber Security Manager

Kate Sprake joined South West Water in 1994 as a Business and Finance apprentice, earning £29.50 a week.

Now Cyber Security Compliance Manager, Kate said she chose an apprenticeship because she wanted practical experience rather than full-time college.

“I like to learn and see how things actually work, rather than just read about them.

The apprenticeship gave me experience and a qualification at the same time. Most jobs ask for both so this was a great way of getting them.”

After two years in Finance, Kate was offered a permanent role and began studying for further qualifications.

Part way through her studies, she applied for a role in the company’s IT team, an area she had always been interested in.

She moved into IT Operations, where she developed a strong interest in information security and compliance, while continuing with her studies.

“The idea was to complete the apprenticeship and then progress elsewhere, but the opportunities I’ve had here have meant I’ve constantly evolved my knowledge and role. I’ve been very lucky to have supportive managers who’ve allowed me to grow.”

Charlie Follows His Own Path

This National Apprenticeship Week, Kate’s son Charlie has just completed his Information Communications Technician apprenticeship in Digital and IT, achieving a distinction.

Charlie said he chose the apprenticeship route for similar reasons to his mum.

“I wanted workplace experience while gaining a qualification. It has exposed me to lots of different areas within IT and I’ve learnt so much.”

His role has included identity management, building and assigning hardware, installing software and responding to IT requests raised across the business.

Charlie said balancing study and work was manageable, and that support from managers helped him develop new skills which fed directly into his college projects.

Despite Kate’s long history at South West Water, she was keen for Charlie to succeed on his own merit.

“I was very hands off. Charlie applied and went through the process himself. If anything, I wanted him to stand on his own two feet.

“He’s helped with some new colleagues in my team and done a great job. It goes without saying I’m extremely proud of him.”

Charlie said his mum’s experience was a consideration, but did not heavily influence his decision.

“I’d looked into my options and thought apprenticeships seemed like a great idea. I have no regrets.”

“Do It”

Both believe apprenticeships remain one of the strongest routes into skilled careers.

Thirty two years after Kate first started her own apprenticeship, her advice is clear.

“Do it. It’s a great way to show your skills and build on them. You gain practical knowledge, understand how a business works and meet people who are willing to help.”

Thankfully, she added, the pay has improved from £29.50 per week.

📷Charlie and Kate Sprake