With advancements in technology, there has never been a better time to enhance the knowledge and skills of those staff in analytical roles. Intelligence analysis training is now being used in many sectors and it would significantly benefit the water utility sector too. With improved visibility and control the positive impact of better operational intelligence is very significant across such areas as strategic planning, tactical decision making and operational efficiency improvements.

There are a variety of roles that would benefit from more effective intelligence. Those responsible for water networks and wastewater/water treatment will be able to use trend analysis techniques to enable the earlier identification of issues that impact the efficient running of water operation, such as leaks or blockages.

Those in customer services could use enhanced intelligence to more effectively gather and analyse data from customers to identify trends, form assessments and create and disseminate products or reports that would improve water services – consequently resulting in improved customer satisfaction.

Other roles that would benefit from intelligence training include finance where increased knowledge of intelligence and analytical techniques would enable more effective monitoring of trends in costs and revenues that might impact profitability so enabling interventions to enhance financial returns Human resources could utilise available intelligence to understand where there are any skill gaps that need addressing, allowing them to apply relevant training or recruitment based on the skills needed. Resource planning is also a role where intelligence can play a very important part to effectively allocate and maximise the efficiency of resources.

For improved efficiency, profitability and productivity, all utility companies could consider intelligence training but are perhaps unaware of all the levy-funded programmes available. The Apprenticeship Levy offers an excellent opportunity for upskilling, but many employers do not maximise their returns from this levy. The Skills Minister recently revealed that there was £2.9 billion unspent from the employers’ apprenticeship service accounts at the end of September 2018.

One organisation that recently took advantage of the Apprenticeship Levy is Northumbrian Water Group. The water-utility company worked with Intelligencia Training to achieve an industry first and progress 18 employees through a levy-funded intelligence programme.

Tracey Greener, Northumbrian Water Workforce Development Manager, said:

“We identified the apprenticeship as a great opportunity for our people in analytical roles across the business who work with a variety of data and intelligence. Bringing them together as one group of learners has been fantastic for shared learning and a recognition of business issues that combined they can solve together.

“Intelligencia Training’s Tutor, Mark Burton, has been exemplary in facilitating engaging workshop sessions and providing individual learning and feedback to the team. I have also received continued support from Intelligencia Training’s Commercial Director, Nick Atkinson, and would not hesitate in recommending Intelligencia Training as a training provider of choice.”

You can find out more about Intelligencia Training’s work with Northumbrian Water Group on their website. You can also watch the official testimonial video here.

Intelligencia Training provides a range of levy-funded qualification programmes, including their new Intelligence Analysis Standard. This innovative programme represents the UK’s highest level of vocational training available for those working in intelligence and data analyst roles across public and private sector organisations – offering parity with those working at the highest level of military intelligence.

About Intelligencia Training:

Intelligencia Training are intelligence analysis and cyber security specialists that operate within both the public and private sectors. They currently engage with an ever-growing number of high profile public and private sector organisations and Government agencies delivering the innovative, engaging, nationally accredited qualifications.

Based at Suite A4, Chadwick House, Birchwood Park, Warrington, WA3 6AE, you can contact Intelligencia Training on 03330 431 440, alternatively, you can email info@intelligenciatraining.com. For more information on the services they provide, please visit www.intelligenciatraining.com.