Who are United Utilities?

United Utilities is accountable for water and wastewater services in the North West of England. From 2025-2030 we will undertake the largest investment in water and wastewater services in the North West in 100 years - that's more than £13 billion worth of projects. Now, more than ever, we need inspiring future talent to help make the North West stronger, greener, and healthier.

Whatever area of our business your interests lie in, our award winning apprentice programme will give you first-class training and support, aligned with an in-depth understanding of your chosen business area – so that you can develop the skills you need to progress your career as you make a real contribution to the communities we serve.

Working in the North West means there's a lot of ground to cover. You could have the opportunity to work in the heart of the Lake District, or you could sample a taste of city life. As well as our main office in Warrington we also recruit for a variety of roles based across the North West; we have 575 wastewater treatment works and 96 water treatment works in areas from Crewe in Cheshire to Carlisle in Cumbria.

Whichever scheme you join, you’ll be at the heart of bringing innovation and positive change to the water industry. Ready to flow into your future with us?

Life as a United Utilities Apprentice

Our apprentices are well looked after, with a generous salary, 26 days of leave (excluding bank holidays), a £500 contribution towards learning to drive, and many more benefits.

You’ll have a dedicated mentor and manager to support you every step of the way. All we ask is that you’re willing to learn, work well as part of a team, and manage your time and workload effectively.

Start living your future, today!

As a Level 3 Apprentice Project Controller (PMO), you’ll learn how to:

• develop a strong foundation in tracking project budgets, analysing variances, and maintaining financial accuracy,
• analyse financial data and create insightful reports, learning how these skills directly influence successful project delivery
• contribute to planning and scheduling activities, building your understanding of how to align resources, budgets, and timelines effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, enhancing your teamwork and communication skills while gaining insight into how different roles drive project success
• gain hands-on experience with industry-standard project management software, equipping you with practical skills for future roles
• build a pathway to leadership, by working closely with project controllers and project managers, you’ll gain valuable exposure to the responsibilities of project leadership, preparing you for future progression in your career

A bit more about the role

Your apprenticeship will last 36 months, and successful apprentices will achieve a Level 3 Project Controls Technician standard, endorsed by the Institute for Apprenticeships.

Your study will be day release (1 day a week delivered online).

You’ll be an integral part of our team, contributing to the delivery of multi-billion-pound projects that make a real-world impact. You’ll play a key role in tracking costs, monitoring budgets, and analysing data to ensure financial accuracy. By helping us keep these large-scale projects on track and within budget, you’ll gain invaluable experience and insight into the financial and operational side of project management.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual who’s ready to step into the world of high-value project management. This is your chance to get hands-on with some of the most ambitious projects out there, developing skills in budgeting, cost analysis, and financial reporting. If you’re curious, motivated, and eager to learn how to manage big numbers and even bigger goals, we’d love to have you on board.

You’ll need to have:

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent, grades A-C or grades 9-4, which must include Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject.

Why choose us to kickstart your career?

• Secure your future – Every apprentice is guaranteed a permanent position at the end of their scheme*
• A springboard to your career – You’ll receive structured training, a dedicated mentor, and high-quality learning to help shape your career
• Inspire the next generation – You’ll have the chance to represent United Utilities at key events across the region, engaging with young people to bring careers in the water industry to life
• Reward and benefits – There are lots of perks, including a competitive starting salary of £20,000, which will increase each year based on performance

*As long as you meet all necessary standards and behaviour criteria throughout the programme.

Additional Information

Please check and ensure that you are comfortable with the following points before you apply:

• It is essential that you live within a reasonable commuting distance of the base location of your apprenticeship
• As part of your induction, you will attend a five-day residential trip to the Lake District. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in a beautiful setting with your fellow apprentices. Accommodation and boarding will be provided
• Duringyour apprenticeship, you may need to travel to your place of study. If you’re not local to your place of study, accommodation will either be provided or reimbursed by United Utilities during this period (excluding weekends). Please consider travel requirements and staying away from home if applicable

Depending on the role that you are applying for, our recruitment process may require you to complete:

• An Online application form
• Online tests
• An in-person interview (and presentation) or assessment centre
• A technical test

Important Notes

Please only apply for one apprenticeship role. Part of the assessment process will be to detail why you have applied for your selected apprenticeship vacancy.

Please note that we are unable to offer Visa sponsorship for this role.