UNITED Utilities has increased the number of opportunities for graduates and apprentices.

This month, 125 new starters will join United Utilities taking up roles including scientist, customer service advisor and data analyst.

Made up of 48 graduates and 77 apprentices, this year’s cohort are guaranteed permanent employment when they finish their schemes.

“It’s vital for our business that we have a pipeline of talent supporting the skills growth required to deliver our five-year business plan,” said Jacqueline Kawczak, senior education lead for United Utilities.

“This year, we’ve introduced a new level 7 master’s degree in Town Planning and increased our intake of graduates on our engineering schemes in each of our key business areas: bio, waste and water.

“We’re broadening the range of graduate and apprenticeship schemes we now offer and will continue to do so for next years’ intake.”

The water company, which is based in Great Sankey, currently has around 300 apprentices and graduates training with the company.

Applications for next year’s graduate positions will open later this month, with apprenticeship applications opening in January 2025.

The graduate scheme lasts for three years, and those enrolled take part in a tailored programme helping provide them with business and technical knowledge.

Apprentices at United Utilities earn while they learn, gaining hands on experience while studying Apprenticeships Standards.

“I’m excited to get hands-on experience and get to know the people I’ll be working with in my new role,” said Jack Cleworth, who will be starting as an apprentice precision maintenance engineer.

The apprenticeship schemes last between 18 months and six years for degree apprenticeships in subject such as engineering, quantity surveying and town planning.

Details on all of the roles and career opportunities available at United Utilities can be found at www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/careers/.