The trip provided a practical introduction to the water cycle and water treatment processes, followed by an on-site tour where students saw first-hand how water is cleaned and delivered to homes and businesses. Many were surprised by the scale and complexity of the operation.
“We didn’t expect how it looks when they clean the water… it was really interesting,” said student Muhammad Haider.
The experience didn’t just enhance students’ knowledge, it also changed their perspectives on everyday habits. Learning about water safety and treatment helped build trust and awareness.
“Before, I didn’t like to drink tap water. After that, I’m very confident to drink it – it’s 100% clean. The process of cleaning is very interesting,” Muhammad added.
Students also developed a stronger understanding of water conservation and what should and shouldn’t go down the drain – knowledge that supports both environmental awareness and responsible living.
A key focus of the visit was introducing students to the wide variety of roles within Yorkshire Water. By speaking directly with staff, students gained insight into careers they may not have previously considered.
They learned about opportunities in engineering, operations, customer service, and environmental management, as well as modern workplace flexibility.
“It was very interesting… people can work from home as well. They don’t always have to be on site,” said ESOL student Esmail Muzu.
The visit also highlighted apprenticeships and alternative routes into employment, helping students see that university is not the only pathway to a successful career.
“It’s really good to explore something they’ve never thought about before… it opens up doors,” explained tutor Ibtehal Tashani. “They can go straight into work with apprenticeships, and some of them said they would like to look into this.”
This exposure has significantly broadened students’ awareness of the diverse job opportunities available in the water and utilities sector, inspiring them to think more widely about their futures.
The experience strongly complemented our ESOL students’ (English for Speakers of Other Languages) studies. Throughout the day, students demonstrated excellent communication skills, engaging confidently with staff, asking questions, and participating in discussions.
They also completed a quiz at the end of the session to reinforce their learning, showcasing their understanding and enthusiasm.
“It was really interesting, I really enjoyed the session… and the staff were very good,” said Muhammad.
In addition to language development, the visit supported students’ Life Skills learning, helping to build confidence, teamwork, and workplace readiness – essential qualities for future employment.
Overall, the Yorkshire Water visit has been an extremely positive and impactful experience.
Most importantly, it has encouraged students to think beyond their current expectations and explore a wider range of future possibilities.
Click here to find out more about our ESOL courses.
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