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.

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 4 Control & Automation Field Technician Apprentice, you’ll learn how to:

• Successfully maintain Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and OT equipment including SCADA, PLC’s, HMI’s and associated networks
• Analyse and rectify faults, ensuring the correct operation of Control & Automation (C&A) equipment
• Participate in on-the-job training and formal educational program
• Learn from our team of technical experts to develop technical skills and knowledge relevant to Control & Automation to ensure a successful career

A bit more about the role

Your apprenticeship will last 54 months, and successful apprentices will achieve a Level 4 Automation and Controls Engineering technician, endorsed by the Institute for Apprenticeships.

Study will be on day-release where the apprentice will be attending a college or training provider facility for one day per week for classroom-based learning. You may need to travel to your place of study. If you’re not local to your place of study, accommodation will be reimbursed by United Utilities during this period (excluding weekends). Please consider travel requirements and staying away from home if applicable.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone keen to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and achieve the standards needed to succeed in this role.

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
• Plus a relevant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) Level 3 Diploma with 96 UCAS points (for example from A-Levels or BTEC or equivalent)
• Full UK driving licence by the time that your apprenticeship begins as this is a site-based role. We’ll contribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help to get you on the road!

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
• Be part of the UU family – You’ll have the chance to network, bond, and learn from your colleagues and fellow apprentices

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

We need fantastic people to help us deliver a great service to the public. We are committed to reaching and recruiting from every community, supporting our employees to achieve their full potential, and ensuring everyone feels valued and included, regardless of gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, or social background.

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 core location of your apprenticeship
• As part of your induction, you will attend a residential trip in 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 re-imbursed by United Utilities during this period (excluding weekends). Please consider travel requirements and staying away from home if applicable
• South Support Area – Location to be agreed with successful candidate but could include Cheshire or East Manchester site

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

This role will also require you to pass a colour vision assessment.