Scottish Water

With Scottish Water being responsible for providing water and wastewater services to customers and communities in Scotland, the organisation made it a core focus to upskill employees on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.  

As part of Scottish Water’s commitment to Net Zero and strategic objective of building a Hydro Nation, it has partnered with The Open University to offer a Combined STEM degree. The qualification is accessible to all employees and gives them the opportunity to widen their knowledge of ESG principles, which in turn supports Scottish Water’s strategic objectives.  

The programme aims to help students to develop a distinctive way of thinking about environments and environmental issues that are both innovative and practically relevant. The pathway includes digital and innovation modules to help the students understand the societal impacts of digital technology. Through learning core theory, students are able to unpack the societal, political and environmental impacts of digital technology that is needed to increase the rate of change required to meet Scottish Water’s Net Zero targets.  

The scheme has recently been implemented, with the first cohort now in their second year and the second cohort entering their first.  

Through the Careers Map tool, the organisation offers a range of entry routes, including work experience, the Career Ready programme, a foundation apprenticeship, a modern apprenticeship, a graduate apprenticeship, and graduate programs, all in support of their aim to encourage young people to explore careers in STEM.  

Craig Jackson, Senior People Consultant at Scottish Water, said: 

“Scottish Water is committed to future-proofing our workforce and engaging with younger generations, with a core aim of encouraging young people to think about STEM and its links to the water industry.

"The partnership with The Open University has been invaluable in this. Through learning core theory, our students are able to unpack the societal, political and environmental impacts of digital technology that is needed to increase the rate of change required to meet Scottish Water’s Net Zero targets.”

To find out more visit scottishwater.co.uk/about-us/careers.