Craig Jakeman

Hi all

I'm now working in the newly formed Asset Delivery Unit as a Project Manager, but no longer as a graduate! I was coming toward the end of the scheme and an opportunity presented itself so I grabbed it. As a graduate it is an individual's responsibility to apply for opportunities in the business at the end of the 2 year scheme, competition for the role was fierce but I'm delighted to say I was successful.

As a Project Manager in the Asset Delivery Unit I am responsible for delivering capital projects (currently a large programme of pumping stations refurbishment). It hasn't been easy and I have lots of responsibility but I'm learning every day.

Good luck with your applications, here and else where!

Craig Jakeman

Time really is flying by now, one month left in asset management and then I'm on my way somewhere else.

It seems a shame to move on just when I'm really getting into the role but that's the graduate scheme and that is

one of the main benefits. On the one hand we have the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of the company on

the other, the chance to develop our problem solving skills as we are continually faced with steep learning curves.

Changes are at hand in the organisation of the company, but I'll let the dust settle and tell you all about that next time.

All the best,

Craig

What a strange month we've had, snow and ice and freezing rain, but we've battled through and it looks like were coming into a warmer spell (hopefully). Work has been trickier than usual with cancelled meetings etc but everyone has pulled and pushed (cars out) together. Today I spoke to my placement manager regarding where in the business I would like to spend some time after I end my role in Asset Management. I'm keen to gain some experience in capital delivery as it ties in with my current placement, to go from identifying risks to reducing them would be great.

For all those who have applied for the graduate scheme good luck, maybe I'll see some of you soon.

Having just got back from an early ski trip the first port of call was a feedback session from our development centre a few weeks ago. Luckily working at YW has taught me how to receive and use feedback, the next step will be to identify ways foreword from here. I'm now moving into the second half of my Asset Management role and beginning to settle in well although there are some deadlines looming on the horizon! The New Year is shaping up to be a very busy one, merry Christmas everybody.

Hello again!

The last couple of weeks have been amongst the busiest I have ever had. I have been preparing business cases for investment for our next investment period which has meant lots of real responsibility. I have also had the chance to chair the Graduate Review Meeting which happens every 3 months which was an interesting challenge. All is overshadowed though by the Graduate Development Centre I completed yesterday, the GDC is a review of our development a year on from starting the scheme. The GDC is a key stage of the Graduate Scheme at YW, I will be getting feed back on performance in a couple of weeks so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

All the best

I'm starting to settle into my new placement now, as with any new role there is masses to learn but things are starting to make more sense.

The team I'm working with are very welcoming and helpful but at the same time I have been given the chance to manage my own schedule and work from my local base.

It's been a hectic week but one in which I have had the chance to chair a project team meeting and present project findings to another team.

Back to the complicated world of asset management - I will report back next week!

Another busy week as helped to organise the Yorkshire Water part of the JWWA study day for a group of delegates from the Japanese Water Industry. The whole experience was great fun and very rewarding bringing networking for me to a whole new level.

It's not been easy trying to juggle the open day with my new placement but it's all part of the challenge.

Back to the day job now though, catch up soon!

Last week was spent getting to grip with my new role and responsibilities. I already have a "to do" list which is growing rapidl, luckily I have been assigned a mentor to help me through testing period.  One of my tasks will be to promote a new piece of technology through the Business, a toll which will possibly become a key piece of equipment for our process engineers.

I will report back next week and let you know if my "to do" list is still as long as my arm!

See you then.

My first six months was spent in operations, I spent time working in both Distribution (supplying our customers with potable water) and Production (treating raw water to make it potable). This was chance to get a clear understanding of two of the key actions a water company carries out. These two placements are an excellent foundation for a career in the water industry, everyday I use the knowledge I learnt with our operational teams.

After this I moved into Regulatory Compliance and was given my first taste of project management. I spent the wet summer of 2009 out and about doing site surveys on our beautiful impounding reservoirs as part of the project, learning all the time and generally having a great time. The project I have worked on has built on my leadership skills and technical knowledge; I have had the chance to work with colleges out in the field and some of our partner companies.

As I write this I am just completing my first week in Asset Management as an Asset Engineer, essentially forming part of a team which looks after Yorkshire Water's treatment asset life cycle. I am once again poised to dive in at the deep end, I will report back next week when hopefully I will still be swimming.

See you soon!