Level 6 Operational Technology Engineer Apprentice

United Utilities; England; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services provider in the United Kingdom is offering a Level 6 Operational Technology Engineer Apprenticeship, ideal for those passionate about engineering and technology. You'll learn to work with digital and automated systems crucial for water management. This role provides a structured training program, mentorship, and a competitive starting salary of £21,000, increasing with performance. Join us to make a real impact in your community and build a promising career while studying towards a Bachelor's degree in Controls & Automation Engineering.

Benefits

26 days of leave (excluding bank holidays)

£500 contribution towards driving lessons

Mentorship program

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent, grades A-C including Maths, English, and a Science or Technology subject.
• Plus 3 A Levels at grade C or above or a distinction grade in the maths unit of a 120 credit BTEC in Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Work with PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, and industrial networks.
• Support the installation and maintenance of control systems.
• Contribute to engineering projects that enhance water quality.

Skills

Understanding of computing and automation

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work well in a team

Education

5 GCSEs including Maths, English and Science

3 A Levels or a 120 credit BTEC in Engineering

Tools

PLC systems

SCADA systems

Automation tools

Job description

Level 6 Operational Technology Engineer Apprentice

Job number UU04711 Country United Kingdom Region Cheshire West and Chester Location name Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP Posting End Date 24/02/2026 Band APSX Role Type Apprenticeship Work hours 37 Hours per Week Salary £21,000

Are you ready to live your future? Do you want to be part of building a greener, healthier, and stronger North West ? Come and join us! With a range of award-winning roles on offer, you’re sure to find your perfect career here at United Utilities. We’ll provide you with industry-leading skills and the experience you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Who are United Utilities?

United Utilitiesisaccountableforwater and wastewater services in theNorth Westof England. From 2025-2030 we will undertake the largest investment in water and wastewater services in theNorth Westin 100 years - that's more than £13 billion worth of projects. Now, more than ever, we need inspiring future talent to help make theNorth Weststronger, greener, and healthier.

Whatever area of our business your interests lie in, ouraward winning apprenticeprogramme will give you first-class training and support,alignedwith 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.

Working in theNorthWestmeansthere'sa 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 ourmain officein Warrington we also recruit for a varietyofroles based across theNorth West; we have 575 wastewater treatmentworks,and 96 water treatment works in areas from Crewe in Cheshire to Carlisle in Cumbria.

Whichever schemeyou join,you’llbe at the heart of bringing innovation and positive change to the water industry. Ready to flow into your future with us?

Life as a United Utilities Apprentice

Our apprentices are well looked after, with a generous salary, 26 days of leave (excluding bank holidays), a £500 contribution towards learning to drive, and many more benefits.

You’llhave a dedicated mentor and manager to you every step of the way. All we ask is thatyou’rewilling to learn, work well as part of a team, and manage your time and workload effectively.

Our Level 6 Operational Technology (OT) Engineer Degree Apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Siemens Apprenticeship Services, is your opportunity to earn a salary, gain hands‑on experience and study towards aBachelor’sdegree in Controls & Automation Engineering — all while building a career with real purpose.

Start living your future, today!

Operational Technology is at the heart of how we run our water and wastewater systems. As an Apprentice OT Engineer,you’llwork with the digital and automated systems that keep our treatment works, pumping stations and networksoperatingsafely and efficiently.

You’lllearn how to:

• Work with PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, industrialnetworksand automation systems used across our sites
• Specify process instrumentation/sensors such as flow meters, levelmonitorsand water quality analysers.
• Support the cyber secure design, testing,installationand maintenance of control systems
• Help commission new equipment and diagnose faults
• Use Siemens & Schneider technologies such as TIA Portal, S7‑1500 PLCs, PROFINET/PROFIBUS and industrial drives
• Contribute to real engineering projects that improve water quality, reduce environmentalimpactand support our long‑term sustainability goals
• Work within an environment where health and safetyisan embedded part of our core business

This is a hands‑on, problem‑solving role where no two days are the same.You’llbe part of a team that keeps essential services running for millions of people.

A bit more about the role

You will spend the majority of your time working with and alongside engineers and technicians on operational sites as part of your on-the-job training. This will be supported by block release vocational training working through a HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a BEng (Hons) in Control & Automation:

Years 1–3 (Siemens and Wigan & Leigh College) You’ll build strong foundations in engineering and automation, including:

• Electrical Engineering
• Programming for Engineers
• Mechatronics
• Automation, Robotics & PLCs
• Embedded Systems

Year 4 (University of Salford)

You’llcomplete:

• Embedded Systems
• Automation & Robotics

You’llalsobenefitfrom UU & Siemens’ wider support: mentoring, industry speakers, digital learningtoolsand access to theSiTRAINlearning platform.Your apprenticeship will last60months.

This apprenticeship is ideal forthosewho are curious,motivatedand excited by engineering and technology.

You’llenjoy this role if you:

• Like understanding how things work
• Have an interest in computing, automation,roboticsor digital systems
• Want career that helps protect the environment and supports local communities
• Can work well in a team and communicate clearly
• Are reliable,enthusiasticand ready to learn
• We’relooking for people with potential — not perfection.

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent, grades A-C or grades 9-4, which must include Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject
• Plus3 A Levels at grade C or above to include maths and a science-based subject, or a 120 credit BTEC in Engineering with a distinction grade in their maths unit

You will need to be mobile in this role and so you will need a driving licencewithin 12 months of starting the apprenticeship. We’llcontribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help to get you on theroad!

Whychooseus tokickstartyourcareer?

• Secureyourfuture – Every apprentice is guaranteed a permanent position at the end of their scheme*
• Aspringboard toyourcareer –You’llreceive structured training, a dedicated mentor, and high-quality learning to help shape your career
• Inspire thenextgeneration –You’llhave the chance torepresentUnited Utilities at key events across the region, with young people to bring careers in the water industry to life
• Reward andbenefits – There are lots ofperks, including a competitive starting salary of £21,000, which will increase each year based on performance
• Bepart of the UUfamily –You’llhave the chance to network, bond, and learn from your colleagues and fellow apprentices

*As long asyou meet all necessary standards and behaviour criteria throughout the programme.

We need fantastic people to help us deliver a great service to the public. We are committed to reaching and recruiting from every community, supporting our employees to achieve their fullpotential, and ensuring everyone feels valued and included, regardless of gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, or social background.

Additional Information

Please check and ensure that you are comfortable with the following points before you apply:

• It is essential that you live within a reasonable commuting distance of the core location of your apprenticeship
• As part of your induction, you will attend a residential trip in 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. Ifyou’renot local to your place of study, accommodation will either be provided or re-imbursed by United Utilities during this period (excluding weekends). Please consider travel requirements and staying away from home if applicable

Depending on the role that you are applying for, our recruitment processmayrequireyou to complete:

• An Online application form
• Online tests
• Anin-personinterview (and presentation)or assessment centre
• A technical test

Important Notes If you are offered a job with us,a number ofpre-employment checks will need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory reportfrom theDisclosure Scotland/ the Disclosure and Barring Service.