A PRUDHOE teenager paid a visit to two Northumbrian Water sites to help him pursue his career in engineering.

Matt Beattie (18) had been following the work of Northumbrian Water’s Rainwise surface water management project in Ovingham, and hoped to see how civil engineering theory was put into practice.

The Prudhoe High School student contacted the project team to find out more about the engineering work that was taking place and, together with their contractors, Esh-MWH, the team invited Matt to the site.

He was able to see how projects develop from plans on a page to real-life construction.

He was also taken for a look around the new Horsley Water Treatment Works, which is the biggest engineering job that Northumbrian Water and its contractors Interserve-Doosan – are currently working on.

Matt said: “I’ve taken a lot away from my visits. At Ovingham, I was able to see how plans linked with real life projects and was able to ask lots of questions.

“At Horsley, the site was on a huge scale and it was great to see new and innovative technology being used to protect and improve the North-East’s water supply.

“I learned a lot about the role of engineers in these types of projects, and in the water industry as a whole.

“I can’t thank the team enough for arranging the visit.

“It has really helped me gain a wider knowledge of civil engineering.”

Project Manager for Northumbrian Water Ian Davison said: “It’s great to see young engineers taking an interest in the work that we do and we really enjoyed having Matt with us for the day.

“Visits like this help to give young people a valuable insight into the civil engineering and water industry and help put theory into practice.”

Northumbrian Water recommends that anyone interested in a career in the water industry, as well as curriculum-based activities, should visit their website at www.nwl.co.uk/careers