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Adam FairmanAdam Fairman

Past Graduate

Studied Chemical Engineering at Cambridge University. Joined the graduate scheme in 2006.

My first main project was to design and write an operations manual for several clean water treatment processes on RAF and Army bases, and I was very impressed by the fact that my views were taken seriously and have been acted upon.

The best way to judge the success of the graduate programme is to look at what people do after: after all, it's results that count! So I'll start by telling you a bit about what I'm doing now.

I work for Kelda Water Services in Wales as Efficiency Initiatives Project Manager.  What that rather unwieldy title means is that I manage all the various new initiatives in the business that are aimed at saving money. I also carry out the feasibility work and project manage them to see them through to completion.

It's an interesting role: I get involved in many different parts of the business and see through positive changes to the way we do things.  Many of the initiatives are around saving energy, as this is a major expense for a sewage treatment company.  I enjoy the problem solving-element and it's great to have been trusted with this responsibility.

So that's what I'm doing now.  Let me say a bit about how I got there.  I graduated in 2005 and spent the year in-between job hunting and temping. I was looking for a job in the water industry where my technical background would be relevant but I wouldn't be restricted to that area.

I started the programme with a 2 week induction programme. It was a great chance to get to know other graduates and learn more about Yorkshire Water and the Kelda Group. The programme is structured around 3-4 month placements in the different Kelda Water Services companies. My first placement was with Delta Water Services, I was thrown straight in with real work and real responsibility. This meant I could get out of the office and see firsthand how things work. It was a very good first placement. I learnt some of the basics of the business and the way things work on the ground, whilst making a real contribution.

I then moved further afield to South Wales. Here I worked with the Sludge Team and was challenged with finding the costs of treating sludge and suggesting ways of reducing them. I was able to present my findings to the board and leadership team. This was a daunting experience but well worth it.

I spent some time in both clean and wastewater business units of Yorkshire Water.  This gave me the added benefit of seeing how things are done in the different environment of a regulated business and build up some contacts there.  An important ingredient in the success of the Kelda group is the sharing of knowledge across the business. I then went for a second stint in Wales.  I worked in the call centre for a few months, a reminder of what an impact we have on consumers, which is easy to forget when you work at a sewage treatment works.  There I helped to prepare our Quality Management System ready to be audited.  And during that time I got the role that I'm in now.

I hope that's wetted your appetite for working with Yorkshire Water / Kelda Water Services.  It's a fascinating business and I've learnt so much through the graduate programme.  It's been excellent preparation for the role I'm in now.  And, I hope, for a successful career in the company.