Paul Standing is an exceptional example of how dedication, adaptability and the drive for continuous learning can be key to achieving success after making a significant impact in the water industry. With 20 years of experience, Paul is a passionate trainer dedicated to teaching the next generation of the sector’s workforce, as well as the longest standing EUSR’s National Water Hygiene (NWH) card holder.
Paul’s journey in the water sector began in his late 30s, a time when some may hesitate to embark on a new career path. Back then he worked as a school crossing patrol warden and lunchtime supervisor, roles that fitted around raising his children. As his children started secondary school, his brother-in-law suggested he apply for a role as a Barrier person. From there, Paul’s curiosity and eagerness to learn led him to progress to a variety of roles including working in water leakage detection at RPS and overseeing mains upgrades at Thames Water.
In 2006, two years after joining the sector, Paul became one of the first people to register on the National Water Hygiene Scheme, introduced by EUSR to standardise hygiene training across water companies and ensure regulatory compliance. All UK water companies require people entering clean water sites or working on the network to hold this registration. This is to ensure the required knowledge and awareness of good water hygiene practices. Paul renews his registration every three years, making him the longest NWH card holder and it remains relevant in his current role.
Eighteen months ago, Paul moved into a training role at Watertrain, where he now teaches apprentices on the Level 3 Water Industry Network Technician Standard, specialising in the Network and Water Leakage pathways. Paul has grown confident in his teaching role and finds great satisfaction in engaging with younger people entering the industry. He said that teaching, like his previous roles, involves continuous learning. Where a topic might be initially outside his expertise, he has taken the opportunity to learn from colleagues and his network to broaden his knowledge.
Attracting and retaining diverse talent, including older individuals and those with non-traditional backgrounds, is crucial for the industry’s future. Paul’s late entry into the sector demonstrates that it’s never too late to embark on a new career path. He also emphasises the importance of providing training and progression opportunities to keep talent within the industry.
“Training is like having a butterfly in a jar,” explains Paul. “If you take the lid off slightly, it will fly out, but if you don’t give it some oxygen, it will die anyway. You’ve got to give employees some reason to stay interested in what they’re doing, otherwise they’ll just go. Treating employees well and offering opportunities for growth are essential for retention.”
As well as teaching the next generation, Watertrain also supports the sector with developing apprenticeships, standards and training and supporting EUIAS with developing content and assessment methodology for apprenticeship end-point assessments.
Paul’s journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and a willingness to learn, you can achieve success regardless of when you start. His inspirational career may encourage others to pursue opportunities in the water industry and underscores the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.