This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Starting salary for Level 2 to 5 apprentices, with a pay review each year (£21,000 at Level 6)
- £20,000
- Source: United Utilities (opens in a new tab)
- Annual bonus on top of the apprentice salary
- Up to 7.5%
- Source: United Utilities (opens in a new tab)
- Annual leave, rising to 30 days after four years
- 26 days
- Source: United Utilities (opens in a new tab)
- Maximum United Utilities contributes towards your driving lessons and tests
- £500
- Source: United Utilities (opens in a new tab)
Overview
United Utilities supplies water and deals with wastewater for seven million people across the North West of England. It’s one of the few big employers that publishes exactly what its apprentices earn, and the package is better than most.
The apprenticeships
United Utilities offers apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 6, so you can join at intermediate level or go all the way to a degree apprenticeship. Roles range from site-based engineering to office jobs, and each one has its own entry requirements. Alongside your job you go to a training provider, college or university.
It recruits across the five counties of the North West, so choose a location you can get to every day.
Pay and benefits
| What you get | Detail |
|---|---|
| Starting salary, Levels 2–5 | £20,000 a year |
| Starting salary, Level 6 | £21,000 a year |
| Bonus | Up to 7.5% a year |
| Holiday | 26 days, rising to 30 after four years |
| Driving lessons | Up to £500 towards lessons and tests |
You also get a pay review every year, company-funded healthcare and a pension. That’s well above the apprentice minimum wage.
Who can apply
You need to be at least 16 when you start, and you can apply as long as your 16th birthday is before 31 August. Some roles need a driving licence, so check the advert. United Utilities says roles may need one when you apply, by your start date or eventually.
What they don’t tell you
The overview pages don’t list each programme, its length or its entry requirements. They change every year, so read each advert carefully.
What they do
United Utilities supplies water and wastewater services to seven million people across the North West of England.
Apprenticeships at United Utilities
-
Level 2 to 5 apprenticeships
Roles across the business, including engineering on site
You attend a training provider, college or university alongside your job. Each role has its own entry requirements, listed in the advert.
-
Level 6 apprenticeships
Degree-level roles
Degree apprenticeships with study at a university. Entry requirements are set out in each advert.
Pay calculator
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Career areas
United Utilities entry requirements
- All apprenticeships
- Each role sets its own minimum qualifications, and any job offer depends on proof of them. Some roles need a driving licence when you apply, some by your start date and some eventually.
Who can apply
- You must be at least 16 to start. You can apply as long as your 16th birthday is before 31 August.
- Apprentices are recruited across the five counties of the North West, so pick a location you can commute to every day.
Our tips for United Utilities
- Check whether a role needs a driving licence, and when. United Utilities puts up to £500 towards lessons and tests, so ask about it if you don't drive yet.
- Try United Utilities' 'Match Me' quiz on its apprenticeships page to see which programmes suit you. It says the next year's programmes may differ.
- With a bonus of up to 7.5% and a pay review each year, the total package is higher than the £20,000 starting salary. Compare it with other utilities in our energy table.
- Think about the commute before you apply. Sites are spread across the North West.
Summary
- United Utilities supplies water to seven million people in the North West and offers apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 6.
- Pay starts at £20,000 a year (£21,000 at Level 6), with a pay review each year and a bonus of up to 7.5%.
- You get 26 days' holiday, company-funded healthcare and up to £500 towards driving lessons.
- You can start at 16, and roles are spread across the five counties of the North West.
Related video
Hear from our apprentices
Questions about United Utilities apprenticeships
How much do United Utilities apprentices get paid?
Level 2 to 5 apprentices start on £20,000 a year and Level 6 apprentices start on £21,000, with a pay review each year. United Utilities also pays an annual bonus of up to 7.5%.
Can you do a United Utilities apprenticeship at 16?
Yes. The minimum age to start is 16, and you can apply as long as your 16th birthday is before 31 August. Our guide to apprenticeships at 16 explains how it works.
Do you need a driving licence for a United Utilities apprenticeship?
It depends on the role. Some need a licence when you apply, some by the time you start and some eventually. United Utilities contributes up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests.
What levels of apprenticeship does United Utilities offer?
Levels 2 to 6, so everything from intermediate to degree apprenticeships. Each role has its own entry requirements in the advert.
Which other water companies offer apprenticeships?
Severn Trent and Scottish Water both run apprenticeships. Compare them in our energy and utilities table.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.
- Apprenticeships (opens in a new tab)
- What is the apprentice salary? (opens in a new tab)
- Are there various levels of apprenticeships? (opens in a new tab)
- At what age can I apply for an apprenticeship? (opens in a new tab)
- Where are the apprenticeship locations? (opens in a new tab)
- I do not drive, am I eligible to apply? (opens in a new tab)