Year 13 student Ryan Leopold starts work at Veolia early next year after being awarded an apprenticeship with the water management company in Thames.
He’s the first student to get a position there under a new apprenticeship partnership between Veolia and Thames High School.
Veolia boss Cliff Olsen says Ryan was selected because he demonstrated the best fit with Veolia’s values especially those of team-work ( Solidarity) Responsibility and Respect.
Mr Olsen says the company’s other values are Customer focus and Sustainability and he’s confident Ryan will embrace and excel in these as well.
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Ryan is a natural all rounder with a great personality and a quiet determination to get the most from his opportunities. We are very pleased he is joining Veolia and look forward to his progress in the water industry.”During the apprenticeship, Ryan will train to become a qualified water industry technician in about five years. All his course fees and tools will be covered, and he’ll earn a wage.
Another apprenticeship place is planned for 2017.
THS Principal Dave Sim said apprenticeship schemes like this are a great way for local businesses to support local high school students, and he’d love to hear from anyone interested in setting up a similar programme.
