South West mum and son celebrate apprenticeship week with family milestone

A mum and son from the South West are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week after both completing apprenticeships at the same company more than 30 years apart.

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

READ NEXT: Pioneering Yelverton apprentice celebrated by local MP at parliament event

More than three decades later, her son Charlie has completed his Information Communications Technician apprenticeship in Digital and IT with the company, achieving a distinction.

National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 9-15 February, highlights the role apprenticeships play in helping people build careers through work-based training.

The Moorlander recently reported on South West Water marking National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing career journeys from its Exeter laboratory and award-nominated apprentices across the region.

Kate, who is now a Cyber Security Compliance Manager, said she chose an apprenticeship because she wanted practical experience alongside qualifications.

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

“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, she was offered a permanent role and continued studying. She later moved into the company’s IT team, where she developed an interest in information security and compliance.

“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,” she said. “I’ve been very lucky to have supportive managers who’ve allowed me to grow.”

Charlie said he chose the apprenticeship route for similar reasons.

“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,” he said.

His work has included identity management, preparing hardware, installing software and responding to IT requests across the business.

Despite her long career with the company, Kate said she wanted her son 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,” she said. “It goes without saying I’m extremely proud of him.

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

Both say apprenticeships remain a strong route into skilled careers across Devon and the wider South West.