Warrington-based United Utilities, the North West’s only FTSE100 listed company, is on the lookout for 62 new apprentices with a wide range of schemes being offered.
Apprentices across the UK are one group that has suffered from the economic crisis that was triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, with many being furloughed, or even losing their places on schemes. Now United Utilities are addressing this by relaunching its yearly search for new talented scientific, technical, and customer service recruits, reports The Bolton News.
Head of HR & Training Delivery, Louise Higgins said the company wanted to relaunch its application window for apprenticeship opportunities, as they have been instep decline due to COVID-19.
“Now more than ever we want to hear from people who traditionally might not have considered a job with their local water company,” She said.
Louise added that the company offers award-winning apprenticeship schemes with a range of interesting roles, and a focus on career progression.
“Our apprentices are all top-notch, and we would particularly welcome applications from women and those from ethnic and multicultural backgrounds. We aim to meet our aspirations of being a diverse workforce to become more representative of the communities we serve.”
The company wants to recruit the very best but also wants to support the vibrant and diverse communities of the North West.
Apprenticeships are critical to United Utilities, who employ over 5000 people across the region from Carlisle to Crewe, to ensure the firm has the right people and skills to run the organisation effectively in the future, with many previous apprentices who have come through the scheme now holding important jobs across the company.
For the first time, United Utilities will be taking on more than 20 apprentices specifically dedicated to tackling leaks.
Louise explained that tailing leakage is United Utilities biggest challenge, and it plans to invest £290 million into reducing leaks, and the new apprentice Leakage Technicians are pivotal to meeting the targets the company has set itself.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to learn through ‘on the job training’ and classroom-based training leading to sought after qualifications and standards, as part of a three-year programme. The company also has a fantastic retention rate with 98 per cent of apprentices moving into permanent roles across the business upon completion of their apprenticeship.
Successful applicants will receive a starting salary from £12,500, and an annual bonus of 7.5 per cent. The company offers many benefits to employees, such as private healthcare, discounted gym, up to ten driving lessons should the role require a driving license, flexible holidays, and a pension scheme.
The company, as well as keeping the region taps running, treat millions of litres of water and wastewater and protect over 7000km of rivers and coastlines.
If you are looking for a new role, or have been furloughed and need apprenticeship providers in the North West, then get in touch with our team today to see how we can help find the right role for you.