The company has worked to challenge traditional routes into technology careers
Colleagues from Northumbrian Water Undergraduate Placement Programme outside of its Durham office.(Image: Northumbrian Water)
Northumbrian Water has been named a finalist in the National Apprenticeship Awards 2026 for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Employer of the Year, recognising its commitment to opening doors to careers in technology for people from all backgrounds.
The nomination highlights the success of the company’s pioneering Digital Degree Apprenticeship programme, which was created to challenge traditional routes into the technology sector and build a more diverse pipeline of digital talent for the future.
At a time when organisations across the UK are facing growing demand for digital skills, Northumbrian Water has taken a different approach. Rather than relying solely on conventional recruitment pathways, the company has invested in creating opportunities that make careers in technology more accessible, enabling apprentices to gain a degree while earning a salary and building valuable real-world experience.
A key focus of the programme has been improving gender diversity within digital roles. Research identified that technology careers remain heavily male dominated, prompting Northumbrian Water to introduce an all-female apprentice assessment centre to help encourage more women to explore opportunities in the industry.
Apprentices from Northumbrian Water on a tour of its Water Treatment Works in Howdon, Tyne and Wear.(Image: Northumbrian Water)
The initiative proved highly successful, helping to build confidence, increase applications and demonstrate that a career in technology is for everyone. As a result, five of the seven digital apprentices recruited through the programme were female, helping to create greater representation in a traditionally underrepresented area.
The programme has attracted talented individuals who may never have considered a career in technology or who may have faced barriers to traditional higher education routes. By focusing on potential, passion and ambition, rather than simply qualifications or background, the company is helping to ensure the digital workforce of tomorrow better reflects the communities it serves today.
For apprentices, the benefits extend far beyond gaining technical knowledge. They work on meaningful projects from day one, developing practical skills, confidence and experience while studying towards a recognised qualification. The result is a pathway that supports social mobility while creating a workforce equipped to meet future challenges.
Digital Degree Apprentices at Northumbrian Water at work(Image: Northumbrian Water)
The National Apprenticeship Awards recognition is the latest milestone in what has already been a standout year for Northumbrian Water. Alongside its apprenticeship success, the company has been recognised among the UK’s Best Workplaces for Construction, Engineering and Property, Women, Wellbeing and Development.
Adding to these achievements, Northumbrian Water recently became the first water company in the world to be awarded the Service Excellence Kitemark by BSI.
Together, these accolades demonstrate an organisation investing not only in innovation and infrastructure, but in people, creating opportunities for everyone and helping build the diverse, skilled workforce needed for the future.
#Northumbrian #Water #recognised #championing #diversity #apprenticeships
