Jonathan Helm

Why did you apply to Severn Trent, and would you recommend a placement year at Severn Trent?

I applied to Severn Trent because I wanted to establish myself in a large company to help develop a successful and meaningful career. I was especially drawn to the Engineering roles, as there is a wide range of different projects to get involved with across some really nice sites to be working on. STW has also helped me work towards my goal of being a Chartered Electrical Engineer.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am based in Raynesway, as part of the EICA team. My team is currently finishing off the last few AMP6 projects by installing water quality monitors to ensure the drinking water we send out is safe. We work between major treatment works and boreholes around the entire STW patch. I am responsible for the Key Deliverables for each project, as well and ensuring that the programme is kept on track. I am also leading a trial for new Iron monitors at Little Eaton.

How do you feel about your experiences to date?

I have really enjoyed my time at Severn Trent so far. Everyone has been welcoming to me, I have seen some really nice landscapes around the midlands. I have learnt a lot about the working world, and challenged myself with some difficult situations in the project life cycle.

How have you found the culture of Severn Trent?

I think the Severn Trent culture is great. Everyone I have met has been helpful, and willing to give me a chance to learn the role. We are going through an exciting transitional time in the business now, which has given us our new team, and new roles as design engineers.

Have you been able to meet up regularly with your Line Manager for feedback on the work you’ve completed?

I work with the Senior Programme Engineer and NMCN to help deliver the project, and they are regularly giving me feedback and development plans to follow to help me become better. I also have monthly 1-to-1’s with my line manager to discuss a bigger picture development plan that I can follow.

Do you feel as through the contributions you’ve made have added value to Severn Trent?

Yes, the work I do has had a real impact on helping to keep the programmes on track, and find the better instruments to keep our water treatment plants running smoothly. I have also contributed to an ICA cop, to discuss with other areas of the business the best way to ensure we are meeting the strict regulations set on us as a water company.

What are the main learning points so far during the placement?

I’ve improved a lot of my skills from university, such as waking up on time every day, organisation, and my project management skills. I feel it has also help to develop my communication skills and confidence in speaking to people.

Are there any elements of the placement that you’ve found difficult? How have you approached these?

Not at the moment, I’m being more involved with projects now so that will give me a new range of difficulties. Any small day-to-day issues I have spoken to my manager and he has been very supportive in sorting anything out with me.

Has the placement reached your own expectations so far?

Yes it has, I am mostly surprised about how much personal development and training Severn Trent offers which is brilliant. I am looking forward to the new role which will include more design work, giving me the opportunity to use more of my core skills from my degree.

Are there any other areas of the business you’d like to know more about?

I would like to see the Power resilience side of our team, as this relates more to my background, however I am very much enjoying my current role.

Following your placement, based on your experiences to date, are you interested in pursuing opportunities on our Technical Leadership Programmes, and do you see Severn Trent as a future employer following your graduation?

I would see myself coming back to ST given the opportunity. I have just learnt about the Technical Leadership programme and it would definitely suite my career ambitions.