At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to install, repair, and maintain electrical equipment in wastewater services.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a leader in water and wastewater services in the North West.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days leave, and support for driving lessons.
- Other info: Participate in a residential trip to the Lake District for skill development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and a guaranteed permanent position.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and a Science or Technology subject.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Are you ready to live your future? Do you want to be part of building a greener, healthier, and stronger North West? Come and join us! With a range of award‑winning roles on offer, you're sure to find your perfect career here at United Utilities. We'll provide you with industry‑leading skills and the experience you need to succeed in your chosen field.
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.
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.
As a Level 3 Apprentice Network Asset Engineer‑Electrical (Wastewater), you’ll learn what goes into refurbishing and replacing our equipment across our wastewater treatment works and pumping stations and how to:
- Install, repair and maintain our electrical equipment, as well as discover what goes into refurbishing and replacing our Wastewater Network assets, ensuring they are available and working correctly to keep services running smoothly for our customers.
- Work as part of a dedicated team focussed on ensuring our plants continue to operate at maximum efficiency.
- Work with a wide range of equipment, be able to identify any electrical faults and carry out electrical maintenance and repairs, following the company’s rigorous health and safety standards.
- Schedule maintenance activity and organise your workload effectively.
Your apprenticeship will last 48 months, and successful apprentices will achieve a Level 3 Water Industry Asset Maintenance technician (electrical) standard, endorsed by the Institute for Apprenticeships. During your first year you’ll spend 3 days per week over an 8‑month duration during term time at the Bolton Technical Training Centre. If you do not live near, accommodation will be reimbursed/provided by United Utilities during this period, excluding weekends. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship you’ll be asked to join part of a formal standby rota, which may require you to do some out of hours work. Don’t worry, your training will prepare you for this, but we advise that you apply for a vacancy that’s relatively easy for you to get to, as we would need you to travel to the site easily. You will need to be mobile in this role; we’ll contribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help you get on the road.
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 be expected to:
- Manage a work/college balance.
- Work and communicate within multiple teams/work areas.
- Take responsibility for own learning and workload.
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.
This role will also require you to pass a colour vision assessment.
Why choose us to kickstart your career?
- Secure your future – Every apprentice is guaranteed a permanent position at the end of their scheme*.
- As 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 base location of your apprenticeship.
- As part of your induction, you will attend a five‑day residential trip to 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.
- During your 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 reimbursed by United Utilities during this period (excluding weekends). Please consider travel requirements and staying away from home if applicable.
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: If you are offered a job with us, a number of pre‑employment checks will need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory report from the Disclosure Scotland or the Disclosure and Barring Service. Please only apply for one apprenticeship role. Part of the assessment process will be to detail why you have applied for your selected apprenticeship vacancy. Please note that we are unable to offer Visa sponsorship for this role. You must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years before starting the apprenticeship.
Level 3 Apprentice Network Asset Engineer – Electrical (Wastewater) - Blackburn, Lancashire employer: United Utilities
United Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Level 3 Apprentice Network Asset Engineer in Blackburn, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, extensive training, and a guaranteed permanent position upon completion of your apprenticeship, all while contributing to vital projects that enhance the North West's water and wastewater services. Join us to be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in the community, with opportunities to learn and thrive in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 3 Apprentice Network Asset Engineer – Electrical (Wastewater) - Blackburn, Lancashire
✨Get Hands-On at Local Workshops
Don’t miss out on local engineering workshops and hackathons! They’re a brilliant way to learn something new, meet fellow aspiring engineers, and often, company reps will be scouting for fresh talent. Plus, you can mention your hands-on experiences at these events during your interviews!
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering societies at your school or in your area. These communities often host talks, networking events, and even competitions, which can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, chatting with industry professionals is never a bad idea!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Consider starting a blog or a social media account where you can share your engineering projects, ideas, and learnings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also your initiative. Share the link on your application to really showcase who you are!
✨Don’t Wait, Apply Early!
Apprenticeships often have early application windows, so keep an eye on United Utilities’s website and get your applications in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to secure an interview and land that coveted position!
We think you need these skills to ace Level 3 Apprentice Network Asset Engineer – Electrical (Wastewater) - Blackburn, Lancashire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at United Utilities, make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills and subjects you've excelled in. Include specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of engineering principles—anything from physics projects to CAD designs can really make your application stand out!
Include Your Learning Experience:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see how keen you are to learn. In your cover letter, talk about what you hope to gain from this opportunity at United Utilities and how it aligns with your career goals. Don’t be shy—express your enthusiasm for getting hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for engineering. List relevant coursework, skills, and any hands-on experiences like workshops or engineering clubs. Feel free to use a clear and structured layout so it's easy for the hiring team at United Utilities to see your qualifications at a glance.
Keep it Visual—If Possible!:If you've worked on any engineering projects, consider including visual elements in your application—like pictures, graphs or even a small portfolio link. This isn’t mandatory, but visuals can help us appreciate your work and problem-solving skills more effectively!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Showcase Your Passion for Engineering
Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for engineering. Be ready to talk about any projects you've done, be it in school or in your spare time, as this shows your commitment and eagerness to learn on the job at United Utilities.
✨Get Hands-On with Technical Questions
Expect some technical queries related to basic engineering principles. Brush up on subjects you’ve covered in your studies, such as materials science or thermodynamics. They might throw a scenario your way to gauge how you would approach solving a problem—don't be afraid to think aloud!
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Apprenticeships often require working in teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in school or during any group projects. Share specific examples that reflect your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as this is highly valued in engineering roles at United Utilities.
✨Ask About Learning Opportunities
Make sure to prepare some questions about the apprenticeship itself, like how training will be structured or the types of projects you'll tackle. Showing curiosity about your growth will impress the interviewers at United Utilities, demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.
