Apprentice Field Service Engineer - Mechanical (Wastewater) in Wigan

As a Level 3 Apprentice Field Service Engineer - Mechanical (Wastewater) you will learn how to:

• Ensure our mechanical assets and equipment are always running up to standard on our wastewater treatment works.
• Work as part of a dedicated team focused on ensuring our plants continue to operate at maximum efficiency.
• Work with a wide range of equipment, be able to identify any faults and carry out routine maintenance, following the company's rigorous health and safety standards.
• Schedule maintenance activity and organise your workload effectively.
• Complete risk assessments: identify and document risks and hazards in the workplace. Apply control measures.
• Comply with health and safety regulations, and safe working and security practices and procedures.
• Conduct vehicle checks.
• Conduct and assess impact of activity for example, environmental, cost, reputation, safety, and health. Apply control measures.
• Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations and requirements.
• Trace and locate network services.
• Collect mitigation data or evidence.
• Check technician tools and equipment. Conduct maintenance for example, calibration.
• Identify issues. Apply fault-finding and problem-solving techniques: identify root cause. Resolve faults.
• Consider, identify, and promote areas for improvement.
• Use information technology. Follow cyber security requirements. Comply with GDPR.
• Interpret digital mapping systems and update.
• Complete work documentation: enter and record data and information using digital technology.
• Read and interpret written information.
• Identify and organise resources to complete tasks.
• Prioritise work activities.
• Communicate verbally and in writing.
• Provide advice and guidance to customers.
• Liaise with, negotiate with, and handle conflict in individual or group environments.
• Apply and enforce water fittings regulations to customer installations.
• Read and interpret technical data.
• Install pressure gauges.
• Conduct flow and pressure measurements.
• Identify different valve types.
• Follow hygiene practices.
• Select and use water quality testing equipment.
• Sample for chemical and micro-biological analysis.
• Set up temporary loggers.
• Carry out network optimisation activity.
• Select and use leakage detection tools and methods.
• Inspect and check network assets.
• Conduct targeted DMA survey.
• Access, download, and interpret data from pressure and flow loggers.
• Test and assess application of innovative leakage equipment.
• Identify and arrange repairs.
• Complete visual inspection to check assets.
• Use dye testing to trace and investigate cross or illegal connections.
• Use digital inspection equipment.
• Select and use blockage removal equipment.
• Follow alarm response procedures.
• Comply with industry regulations and procedures.

During your first year, you will 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.

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.

Requirements:

• 5 GCSE's minimum or equivalent (grade A-C or 9-4) including Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject.
• Communication skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Team working.

United Utilities is responsible 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.

Wage: £20,000 a year. Reward and benefits include a starting salary of £20,000, which will increase each year based on performance. Training course: Water industry network technician (level 3).

Hours: Monday to Friday during training period. 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 (37 hours a week).

Start date: Wednesday 2 September 2026. Duration: 4 years.