A WARRINGTON business has praised the efforts of its promising apprentices as ‘invaluable’.

This comes after Lingley Mere-based United Utilities confirmed that it has taken on a record number of apprentices during 2021.

The water company welcomed 56 new apprentices in January, and has since recruited a further 46 apprentices and 24 graduates, with 24 more customer service apprentices due to start in October.

United Utilities, the only FTSE100 company in the north west, has a strong track record in delivering an award winning apprenticeship scheme and now has more than 160 apprentices.

Warrington Guardian:

They are currently gaining valuable practical skills in a diverse range of roles, alongside achieving nationally recognised qualifications, including degree-level.

The new intake will be completing recognised programmes in a variety of roles, including payroll, project controls, construction supervisors, income, engineering, water technicians and trainee buyers.

Jacqui Kawczak, apprentice delivery manager at United Utilities, said: “We are delighted to be able to invest in future generations of our workforce as we recover from the economic impact of Covid-19.

“We are committed to creating opportunities for people in the communities we serve, and the contribution apprentices and graduate make to our business is invaluable.”

Warrington Guardian:

After being welcomed into the company, the new recruits are currently completing a weeklong outward-bound programme in Cumbria, where they will undertake a range of resilience and mindset challenges.

After that, they will join United Utilities’ army of around 5,000 dedicated staff keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing for seven million people in the north west.

As the pandemic’s economic cost is laid bare, United Utilities’ ambition to create job opportunities for people in Warrington and across the north west has not waned.

The company is also involved in the Government’s Kick Start programme and is working with #10000BlackInterns – an internship programme offering paid work experience opportunities across various industries.