Level 6 Operational Technology Engineer Apprentice

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.

Whatever area of our business your interests lie in, our award-winning apprentice programme will give you first-class training and support, aligned with an in-depth understanding of your chosen business area – so that you can develop the skills you need to progress your career as you make a real contribution to the communities we serve.

Working in the North West means there’s a lot of ground to cover. You could have the opportunity to work in the heart of the Lake District, or you could sample a taste of city life. As well as our main office in Warrington we also recruit for a variety of roles based across the North West; we have 575 wastewater treatment works, and 96 water treatment works in areas from Crewe in Cheshire to Carlisle in Cumbria. Whichever scheme you join, you’ll be at the heart of bringing innovation and positive change to the water industry.

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.

Our Level 6 Operational Technology (OT) Engineer Degree Apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Siemens Apprenticeship Services, is your opportunity to earn a salary, gain hands-on experience and study towards a Bachelor’s degree in Controls & Automation Engineering — all while building a career with real purpose.

Operational Technology is at the heart of how we run our water and wastewater systems. As an Apprentice OT Engineer, you’ll work with the digital and automated systems that keep our treatment works, pumping stations and networks operating safely and efficiently.

You’ll learn how to:

• Work with PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, industrial networks and automation systems used across our sites
• Specify process instrumentation/sensors such as flow meters, level monitors and water quality analysers
• Support the cyber secure design, testing, installation and maintenance of control systems
• Help commission new equipment and diagnose faults
• Use Siemens & Schneider technologies such as TIA Portal, S7-1500 PLCs, PROFINET/PROFIBUS and industrial drives
• Contribute to real engineering projects that improve water quality, reduce environmental impact and support our long-term sustainability goals
• Work within an environment where health and safety is an embedded part of our core business

This is a hands-on, problem-solving role where no two days are the same. You’ll be part of a team that keeps essential services running for millions of people.

A bit more about the role: You will spend the majority of your time working with and alongside engineers and technicians on operational sites as part of your on-the-job training. This will be supported by block release vocational training working through a HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a BEng (Hons) in Control & Automation.

You’ll build strong foundations in engineering and automation, including:

• Electrical & Electronic Engineering
• Programming for Engineers
• Mechatronics
• Automation, Robotics & PLCs
• Embedded Systems

Year 4 (University of Salford): You’ll complete:

• Embedded Systems
• Automation & Robotics

You’ll also benefit from UU & Siemens’ wider support: mentoring, industry speakers, digital learning tools and access to the SiTRAIN learning platform. Your apprenticeship will last 60 months. This apprenticeship is ideal for those who are curious, motivated and excited by engineering and technology.

You’ll enjoy this role if you:

• Like understanding how things work
• Have an interest in computing, automation, robotics or digital systems
• Want a career that helps protect the environment and supports local communities
• Can work well in a team and communicate clearly
• Are reliable, enthusiastic and ready to learn

We’re looking for people with potential — not perfection.

Entry Requirements:

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent, grades A-C or grades 9-4, which must include Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject
• Plus 3 A Levels at grade C or above to include maths and a science-based subject, or a 120 credit BTEC in Engineering with a distinction grade in their maths unit

You will need to be mobile in this role and so you will need a driving licence within 12 months of starting the apprenticeship. We’ll contribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help to get you on the road!

Why choose us to kickstart your career?

• Secure your future – Every apprentice is guaranteed a permanent position at the end of their scheme*
• Aspire 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 £21,000, 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 core location of your apprenticeship
• As part of your induction, you will have a residential trip in 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 / the Disclosure and Barring Service.