Joshua Williams (Welsh Water)

Name: Joshua Williams

Subject: Environmental Science BSc; Sustainable Water Management MSc

Year Graduated: 2016; 2017

College: Grizedale

Where are you now and what are you doing?

I am now living in Cardiff and working for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water as a wastewater services graduate. I am currently in the first 6 months of a two year scheme that will see me take on various roles within Welsh Water learning vital skills and knowledge of the water and wastewater industry.

What would you like to do next?

For now I will like to complete the two year scheme and see what I learn and enjoy along the way. My long-term goal maybe to go into consulting or take a more senior role within the water industry.

Why did you choose to study at Lancaster?

I decided to study at Lancaster uni for several different reasons. The first was the feel and vibe of the department and campus when I first visited. It just felt so friendly and everyone had a passion for the environment and delivering high standards when it came to teaching. The second reason was its growing reputation as a leading university in Environmental Science. It was the modules I took during this time that really got me interested in water and the treatment process and was primarily the decision I took to continue my study at Lancaster for my master’s degree.

What was your favourite part of your degree and why?

The favourite part of my degree was sustainable water management in a Mediterranean climate, where we visited Croatia and got to see a much more human geography side to a lot of the science I had studied in my previous years. I found the module really useful and insightful into how people use and view water in different places and the importance of clean and accessible drinking water. Also a week of sun helped!

How do you think your time at Lancaster prepared you for what you’re currently doing?

A good understanding of the water and wastewater treatment learnt through my hydrology modules at university and learning about all the UK/EU law and regulations that impact the use of water and protection of the environment have really helped. But apart from the modules it’s the skills I have learnt in statistics, GIS and even team work from the group projects we did have really helped me in my first role with Welsh Water.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Lancaster? (Including extra-curricular activities and beyond?)

The city and surrounding areas are what make Lancaster University a great place if you can get into the Lake District at any point with field trips then I highly recommend. There was plenty of societies for practically any hobby you can imagine and they give you a great social life!