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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Strategic Planning Intern and tackle real-world environmental challenges.
- Company: United Utilities, leading the way in water and wastewater services in the North West.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, first-class training, and potential graduate offers.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on communities while developing your career in sustainability.
- Qualifications: Must be in your penultimate year with a minimum 2:1 degree in relevant fields.
- Other info: Enjoy diverse experiences across the North West and excellent career growth opportunities.
Who are United Utilities?
United Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater services in the North West of England. From 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 investments. 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 internship will give you first-class training and support, together 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. You might enter our organisation as an intern, but one thing\’s for sure, if you perform well, you may well be leaving with a graduate offer before you have even returned to university.
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 internship you join, you\’ll be at the heart of bringing innovation and positive change to the water industry. Ready to flow into your future with us?
The Role
Join United Utilities as a Strategic Planning Intern and play a key part in building a stronger, greener and healthier North West. We are a team that is passionate about the environment and ensuring wastewater is transported safely though our sewers and treated effectively at our wastewater treatment works. In this role you will be able to identify future challenges and how we can address them to ensure our wastewater service continues to be effective and value for money into the future.
You\’ll assist with the delivery of our statutory plans, help prepare reports and presentations, and take part in the development long term strategies.
Start living your future today!
What will I be doing?
Over the 12 months, you\’ll have the opportunity to work on a number of different projects, including:
- the development of our Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan, working with colleagues across the business to understand future challenges and ensure our plan is aligned
- identifying future investment needs and working with regulators to understand their expectations through the Water Industry National Environmental Plan
- writing long term strategies, which could include a focus in a geographical location as well a long term strategic objectives
Working closely with our strategy, technical and delivery colleagues, you\’ll gain hands-on experience in real-world wastewater management planning, while learning how we plan, monitor, and improve our sewage system and wastewater treatment works to support environmental and operational goals.
Over the 12 months, there will also be the opportunity to spend time having \”days in the life\” with colleagues from around United Utilities, so that you can gain a full understanding of the business, and the future opportunities it may present for you!
What do I need to be successful?
We require our interns to be expecting a minimum 2:1 degree. Subjects that we are most interested in include: STEM based, Environmental, Sustainability, Geography, Town or Development Planning or similar. You must be in your penultimate year of university study.
You will also need:
- A passion for overcoming environmental challenges with sustainable, resilient solutions and an eagerness to learn more about wastewater and how we plan to ensure our service remains effective
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and time management skills to support project delivery.
- Good communication and teamwork abilities.
- To be comfortable working with data, maps, and technical documents; experience with GIS or data analysis tools is a plus.
- Able to commit to a full-time internship over the 12 month period.
Additional Information
Our recruitment process requires you to complete:
- An Online application form
- An in-person interview and presentation
Please note that you must be available to attend an in-person recruitment stage during the period 17th November – 19th December
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout your recruitment journey, please let us know.
If you are offered a job with us, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory checking report from Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland.
Application deadline: 13th October 2025 – please apply early as deadlines are subject to change
Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship
Due to the length of the programme being 12 months maximum you will be engaged on a fixed term contract.
Strategic Planning Internship 12M Placement employer: United Utilities
Contact Detail:
United Utilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Planning Internship 12M Placement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns at United Utilities on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any insider tips they might have. This can give you a leg up when it comes to understanding the company culture and what they really value.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into United Utilities' projects and values. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely care about making the North West greener and healthier. Bring specific examples of how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll likely need to present during the interview, get comfortable explaining your ideas clearly and confidently. Use visuals if you can, and make sure to engage your audience – even if it's just one person!
✨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 that you’re serious about joining the team. Keep an eye on deadlines and make sure everything is submitted well in advance!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Planning Internship 12M Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for environmental challenges shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about making a difference in the water industry and how your skills can contribute to a greener future.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. We love seeing how your background in STEM, Environmental Studies, or similar fields connects to the work we do at United Utilities.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications and motivations quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand United Utilities' mission and the specifics of the Strategic Planning Internship. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, especially those related to environmental sustainability and wastewater management. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for tackling environmental challenges. Be ready to discuss any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and innovation in the water industry. This is your chance to shine a light on your passion!
✨Prepare for Data Discussions
Since the role involves working with data and technical documents, brush up on your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss any experience you have with GIS or data analysis tools. If you can, bring examples of how you've used data to solve problems in past projects.
✨Practice Teamwork Scenarios
United Utilities values good communication and teamwork. Think of examples from your university projects or work experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Practising how you articulate these experiences will help you convey your ability to work well in a team setting.