NI Water has announced the completion of its first paid work-experience placement under the company's Facilities Management Contract.

Sam Millar, a participant from Foyle Action Mental Health (AMH), successfully concluded the 12-week placement, which was delivered through a collaborative partnership between NI Water and principal contractor GRAHAM.

Throughout the three-month programme, Sam gained hands-on experience across a diverse range of practical maintenance activities at multiple NI Water facilities. His duties included supporting engineers with planned maintenance tasks, assisting electricians with lighting and cabling installations, and working alongside building fabric engineers on painting, plastering, concrete repairs, and plasterboarding.

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The placement also featured a trip to NI Water's sites on Rathlin Island to assist in replacing a field and livestock gate. Over the course of the 12 weeks, Sam established strong working relationships with the engineering team.

Mark Drennan, GRAHAM Contract Manager, commented: "I could not be happier with Sam and the effort he has put in during his time with us. Sam has been an absolute gentleman to work with, and it was extremely encouraging to hear of the positive and confidence building impact it has had on him.

"A special mention must go to Declan Bryson, GRAHAM Multi Skilled Engineer, as he and Sam formed a great working relationship, where Declan guided and showed Sam new things and looked after him throughout the placement."

Reflecting on the successful initiative, Kieran Harkin, NI Water Senior Contract Manager, added: "I was delighted to meet Sam and discuss his positive experience working as part of the GRAHAM Team, delivering services to NI Water as part of our Facilities Management Services Contract.

"Hearing from Sam directly on the benefits his work placement provided him was very encouraging and is a terrific example of the impact Social Value can deliver via our contracts and contract partners. Well done to the entire team involved."