At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and improve woodlands to protect water quality and enhance biodiversity.
- Company: Join United Utilities, the largest corporate landowner in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days leave, and support for learning to drive.
- Other info: Guaranteed permanent position upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while kickstarting your career.
- 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.
To support in our delivery, United Utilities is the UK's largest corporate landowner with over 56,000 Ha of land in our stewardship. This includes some of the UK's most valuable habitats. We own this land to ensure that the water that flows from it is of the highest quality but it also provides us with a great opportunity to manage and improve it to enhance the resilience and biodiversity in these catchments.
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.
As a Level 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice, you'll learn how to:
- Effectively manage and improve the company’s trees and woodland throughout the catchment, in order to protect water quality, provide amenity, and enhance reputation.
- Develop and implement forest management and design plans in line with FSC guidelines for all trees and woodlands within the catchment.
- Manage the company’s woodlands to ensure we maintain the company’s FSC accreditation including preparing for and managing the audit process.
- Represent UU at meetings with stakeholders including local authorities, utility companies, contractors, partners etc. ensuring that the Company's interests are protected and the Company's reputation enhanced.
- Assess land to identify opportunities to create new woodland.
- Apply for grants to deliver new woodland creation and existing woodland management.
Your apprenticeship will last 48 months, and successful apprentices will achieve a Level 6 Professional Forester (integrated degree) endorsed by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Your training will be at your workplace and block release at the university. If you do not live near, accommodation will be reimbursed/provided by United Utilities during this period, excluding weekends.
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 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
- Plus A levels or equivalent qualifications to tally a minimum of 96 UCAS points
- Full UK driving licence upon application
- An understanding of woodland management, Silviculture and Arboriculture
- An understanding of the UK Forestry Standard and UK Woodland Assurance Standard
- Knowledge of the Grants and Licensing associated with Woodland Management
- An understanding of tree & woodland Legislation and wider planning considerations
- Strong interpersonal and Communication skills
- Good analytical skills
- Computer literate ideally with GIS and mapping experience
- Enthusiasm to gain hands on experience, develop practical skills and achieve the qualifications needed to succeed in the role
- Great ability to work as part of a team
- The ability to manage time and workload to get things done.
Why choose us to kickstart your career?
- Secure your future - Every apprentice is guaranteed a permanent position at the end of their scheme*
- 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 £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 attend 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 be provided 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.
Level 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice - Thirlmere 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 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice, you will benefit from a structured training programme, a dedicated mentor, and a competitive salary, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the environment in the beautiful North West of England. With guaranteed permanent positions upon completion of the apprenticeship and opportunities to engage with the community, you'll be part of a team committed to making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice - Thirlmere
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research United Utilities and their projects, especially around woodland management. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to forestry and water management. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to woodland management. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share examples of your teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the United Utilities family and starting your career with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Level 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice - Thirlmere
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for woodland management and the environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Mention any knowledge of woodland management or related qualifications that align with what we’re looking for in a Level 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice.
Show Your Passion:Express your passion for the role and the impact you want to make in the North West. Whether it’s about protecting water quality or enhancing biodiversity, let us know why this apprenticeship excites you!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Woodland Management Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of woodland management, silviculture, and arboriculture. Familiarise yourself with the UK Forestry Standard and the UK Woodland Assurance Standard, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Woodland Officer Apprentice, you'll need strong interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in team settings or with stakeholders. Think about times when you represented a group or project, as this will demonstrate your ability to enhance the company's reputation.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for the Environment
United Utilities is all about building a greener future, so make sure to express your enthusiasm for environmental conservation and woodland management. Share any relevant experiences, such as volunteering or projects related to sustainability, to highlight your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would assess land for new woodland creation or manage existing woodlands. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills effectively.
