Alex Curtis

Past Graduate

Research & Design Engineer

I left university in 2004 unsure in which direction I wanted to go, but I knew I wanted a job with a company that would provide training and development but also some flexibility and different career options. 

The Yorkshire Water graduate programme offered a structured approach that incorporated a diverse set of areas from environmental management, to economic regulation, and to more technical operational roles.  I liked the opportunity to have placements in all these different areas and get some experience before committing to a specific career path.

The programme also looked challenging and varied. I'd realised this was essential for me after being very frustrated at the lack of responsibility in various jobs after leaving University.

The graduate programme is based on a series of placements which become progressively more challenging as you gain more experience.  I'm now in a role I really enjoy with the right amount of responsibility and a clear path of what I need to do to progress.

I project manage a diverse set of research projects from trialling operational kit in order to make our processes more efficient, to helping plan the R&D programme for the next 5 years. It is a balance of office based work and being out on Yorkshire Water's treatment works, and I work with highly skilled people from all over the business and from partner companies. The team is very supportive and it's a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills.

I am involved with Water Aid where I help organise fundraising events such as fishing competitions, walking events, charity balls and generally raising awareness at Yorkshire Water.  I have also been involved in the graduate recruitment process and mentored the RIU graduates for 2007.