United Utilities Named Among UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers
United Utilities has been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, ranking 64th in a national list that highlights organisations providing strong opportunities and experiences for apprentices.
The ranking is published through a partnership between the Government and career platform HIGHERiN. More than 160,000 organisations employ apprentices across England, with the annual ranking assessing employers based on achievement, commitment and the overall apprentice experience.
United Utilities has continued to expand its apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of roles. Its latest intake included 84 apprentices working in areas such as science, project management, digital services, mechanical and electrical engineering, customer service and woodland management.
More than two thirds of the latest intake were aged between 16 and 18, while the programme also included apprentices from a range of backgrounds, with 21 per cent female, 11 per cent from ethnic minority backgrounds and 10 per cent identifying as having a disability.
The company's apprenticeship programmes combine formal study with practical workplace experience. Apprentices work towards standards endorsed by Skills England while receiving training through universities, colleges, specialist training providers and United Utilities' Technical Training Centre. Programmes range from around 18 months to six years for degree level apprenticeships.
The company is also preparing for another major intake later this year, with 86 apprentices and 54 graduates expected to join in September. The opportunities cover areas including engineering, quantity surveying, town planning, science and laboratory work.
United Utilities said the recognition reflects the contribution of its teams, mentors and apprentices and its wider focus on developing future talent. The company has also highlighted apprenticeship programmes as a way of supporting social mobility and creating career opportunities across the North West.
The latest ranking places United Utilities alongside major employers from sectors including engineering, retail, healthcare, transport and hospitality. Its position also makes it one of the prominent employers recognised for apprenticeship provision in the energy and utilities sector.
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