Apprenticeships can help you reach the top

Water firm United Utilities is recognised as one of the top employers of apprentices in the UK.

Apprenticeships offer an attractive alternative to university, allowing people to learn while they earn.

But despite the vast opportunities and advantages apprenticeships can have, there still remains a stigma associated with this route into the world of work.

Trying to dispel such myths is the current crop of United Utilities apprentices, who have been speaking with students across Warrington about their own personal experiences.

Matthew Newman completed an apprenticeship with United Utilities in August 2018 before moving onto a full time role at the company said: “University isn’t the only route to a top career.  It was a no-brainer for me when I started my HR apprenticeship, as I’ve not been stuck with debt, I earned money, gained hands-on experience, qualifications and ended up in a permanent role, which still offers me opportunities to develop and move up the career ladder. For example, I have since been lucky enough to begin working towards my Level 4 APM.

He added; “We are delighted to be able to share some of our experiences with students who are thinking about what they want to do next and to make sure they consider an apprenticeship, by hearing first-hand whichever career path you may want to take, apprenticeships can help you get there”

On a recent visit to United Utilities head office, Warrington South MP Andy Carter spent some time with current United Utilities apprentices and was amazed at the opportunities and working environment on offer; "It‘s fantastic to see United Utilities continued support of apprenticeships and the many opportunities for recruits to learn new skills and help shape the future of the utilities industry. 

"Encouraging more people to join apprenticeship schemes is a top priority for government, and I want to see the numbers keep rising in Warrington South. 

“Levelling up skills is critical, not just to improve Britain’s productivity, but to enable people to fulfil their potential in Warrington and across the country.”

Jacqueline Kawczak, who oversees United Utilities apprenticeship programme, says: “We offer an award-winning apprenticeship scheme and are a company with no barriers when it comes to getting to the very top.

“We spend a lot of time investing in our apprentices and their development, to make sure they gain valuable skills and real qualification.”

United Utilities is still welcoming applications for its 2020 apprenticeship intake –

For further details visit the United Utilities website at www.unitedutilities.com/apprenticeships