From muck to mastery: How Landia’s apprentices are shaping the future of engineering

“You’re going to get covered in all types of muck—but the good news is, it all washes off!”

It might not sound like the most glamorous job description, but for those willing to roll up their sleeves, it’s the start of a rewarding career. While such an opening line might not immediately entice some of the UK’s near one million 16–24-year-olds currently not in work or education, Landia’s apprentices prove that getting your hands dirty can lead to a clean and successful future.

Young people often get a tough time in the media, but spend a few minutes with the engineers who have come through Landia’s apprenticeship scheme, and you can’t help but be impressed. Their dedication, energy, and loyalty shine through. At a time when the water industry is facing heavy scrutiny, it’s heartening to see how, with the right guidance, new talent can be nurtured into skilled professionals that the sector so urgently needs.

At Landia’s headquarters in Whitchurch, Shropshire, apprentices split their time between one day a week in college and four days gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the workshop and on-site. Each trainee follows a structured 18-month programme designed to match their growing skills with the company’s practical needs.

“We really enjoy working with new faces,” says Tamas Rieder, Landia’s Service & After sales Manager. “They come with open minds—without any bad habits—and bring fresh energy into the business. It’s a big investment of time for us, but the results speak for themselves.”

Growing skills, building confidence

Rieder explains that senior engineers are always on hand to support apprentices as they learn. “We want to strike the right balance—giving them time to develop while also pushing them enough so that, in time, they’re confident to work independently. That’s when you really see them grow.”

One such success story is Kieran Hilton (30), now a Senior Mechanical Engineer, who began his Landia journey at 17. Just three years later, he was entrusted with his own van to attend service appointments—an early sign of the company’s confidence in him.

“I always knew I wanted to work with my hands and be outdoors,” Kieran recalls. “Being told I’d be dealing with cow, pig, or human muck didn’t bother me—I just wanted to learn. People like Paul Broadhurst and Dave Baldock, who’ve both been here over 25 years, set the standard. They take real pride in their work and always go the extra mile for customers.”

He continues, “Fourteen years later, Landia has seen me grow from a kid into a man. When I was given the keys to my van, it felt like a real mark of trust and respect.”

Learning by doing

Jack Foster (31) shares a similar story. Joining Landia at 21, he quickly realised he wanted to deepen his skills through a formal apprenticeship. Now a respected Senior Mechanical Engineer, Jack believes the key to success lies in curiosity and hard work.

“You’ve got to want to learn,” he says. “Classroom work gives you the theory, but nothing beats being out there, seeing it all in action. You’re representing the company, making sure the job’s done right, and that the customer’s happy. That’s where you really gain confidence—and pride.”

Rieder agrees. “College is important, but there’s no substitute for being on-site. When you’re wading knee-deep through fresh pig manure on a freezing winter morning, that’s when you know whether this job’s for you!” he laughs. “It’s not for everyone—but the ones who stay become outstanding engineers.”

From apprentices to leaders

Rieder points to several shining examples. Alongside Kieran and Jack is Josh Edge (29), who joined Landia over a decade ago and now plays a key role in the company’s sales team.

“From welding to sales—I’d never have imagined that!” Josh admits. “But Landia gave me the time and support to find my path. They invested in my development, put me through my HNC, and encouraged me to take on new challenges. The opportunities really are limitless.”

Following in their footsteps is Nate Brown (21), who has just completed his apprenticeship, and newcomer Will Lewis, who joins a strong team of mentors ready to share their expertise.

Belief, Teamwork, and a Bit of Muck

Kieran sums up the Landia spirit best: “You’ve got to have a laugh about it—especially when the job gets messy! We spend a lot of time on the road, so teamwork is vital. The company keeps investing in us and in new technology, so even after all these years, there’s still room to grow.”

His advice to young people considering the pump, water, or wastewater industry?

“With the right guidance, you can learn so much. Believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. If you do that, you’ll go far.”