United Utilities seeks 56 graduates for 2025 scheme

The North West water company has vacancies across the region, including new roles in technology, project controls, and reservoir engineering.

Applications close on Sunday, October 13, 2024, except for economist positions, which close on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Opportunities are still available for positions as future leaders (operational), technical graduate water resources, graduate geotechnical engineer, graduate hydraulic engineer, graduate reservoir engineer, graduate wastewater network modeller, and junior project manager.

Graduates who join the three-year scheme receive career development, support and an in-depth understanding of their chosen business area.

Salaries start at £30,000, and each new graduate joiner receives a £2,000 welcome bonus.

As part of the scheme, graduates achieve accreditation, qualifications, or chartership and work towards professional standards in their respective fields.

Katrina Cullen joined as a graduate catchment planner in 2021 (Image: Supplied)

Katrina Cullen joined as a graduate catchment planner in 2021.

During her three years on the scheme, she participated in two CEO challenges, gaining experience with fellow graduates to tackle challenges such as rainwater harvesting and leakage.

She also took part in the Water Industry Forum Team Challenge, a cross-sector early careers competition working with people from other organisations.

Ms Cullen said: "These opportunities have given me so much experience and a good understanding of the many things the company does and helped me secure an exciting new role as Place Based Planning Manager, leading on the Integrated Water Management Plan in Greater Manchester.

"If you aren’t sure where you fit, the graduate scheme gives you a great opportunity to try different areas through placements."

Syed Ramis Ali joined United Utilities in 2021 (Image: Supplied)

Syed Ramis Ali was the first international graduate to join United Utilities in 2021.

He said: "I joined as a graduate project engineering manager, which was a new role on the scheme at the time.

"The highlight was when I passed my project management exam and I’m now close to delivering my first independent job as a project manager."

Chinwe Ekennia joined United Utilities through its 10,000 Black Interns programme (Image: Supplied)

Second-year network modeller, Chinwe Ekennia, who joined United Utilities through its 10,000 Black Interns programme, said: "I was interviewed by thoughtful and supportive individuals who ensured the application process was as smooth as possible.

"Once I secured the role, I joined an incredible team, and my colleagues have been more than willing to answer any questions and provide guidance along the way."

CEO project manager, Elspeth Fury, said: "My confidence grew hugely on the scheme, largely due to the fantastic support network of colleagues, mentors, and fellow graduates.

"I’m now in a role that I love and wouldn’t have even known existed, had I not joined the graduate scheme.

"If you’re looking for an opportunity to learn more about an exciting sector, develop your skillset, and surround yourself with a diverse and knowledgeable network, then I couldn’t recommend this scheme enough."

Jacqui Kawczak, senior education lead at United Utilities, said: "All graduates who completed their programme in the last three years have been mapped directly into a role, with 62 per cent now in management positions.

"This is really helping to drive the business forward, bringing young talent in who go on to manage teams, are innovative thinkers, challenge the status quo, and support our diversity and inclusion agenda."

There are currently 105 graduates on the scheme, and the new cohort, who started this September, is 35 per cent female, and 52 per cent are from ethnic minority backgrounds.

To find out about graduate opportunities at United Utilities, visit their website.