Who are United Utilities?
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 investments. Now, more than ever, we need inspiring future talent to help make the North West stronger, greener, and healthier.
Whatever area of our business your interests lie in, our 3-year graduate programme will give you first-class training and support, together with 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. You might enter our scheme as a graduate, but one thing's for sure, before long you'll be heading into your next role as a technical, operational or people leader.
Working in the North West means there's a 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 our main office in Warrington we also recruit for a variety of roles based across the North West; we have 575 wastewater treatment works and 96 water treatment works in areas from Crewe in Cheshire to Carlisle in Cumbria.
Whichever scheme you join, you’ll be at the heart of bringing innovation and positive change to the water industry.
Ready to flow into your future with us?
The Role
As part of our 3 year graduate scheme, we will guide you through the IMechE’s monitored professional development scheme, with the ultimate goal of gaining chartership. You will be assigned a mentor who is a Chartered Engineer here at UU to work with and help you tailor your training and development towards your own needs.
Benefitting from the shared knowledge and expertise of working with colleagues across all engineering disciplines, you will build on your university knowledge and develop your engineering skills in water, wastewater and bio resource treatment processes, gaining an understanding of a wide variety of new and innovative technologies, as well as the support that goes into maintaining aging assets.
You will also develop your understanding of company and industry regulations, standards and procedures, as well as working closely with other graduates across our business to help you grow your knowledge in all areas.
Every 6 months we will rotate you through different placements and projects, aiming to develop your mechanical skills in different teams across the business, with growing independence and responsibilities as each placement goes on. This can include placements in:
- Capital Projects
- Better Rivers
- Operational Deployment
- Bioresources
- Hydraulics
- Design
- Standardisation
- Innovation
At the end of the end of the scheme you will have a guaranteed place on the Mechanical Engineering team.
Start living your future today!
What will I be doing?
- Preparing and reviewing mechanical design deliverables, including specifications, calculations, reports, datasheets, drawings, and schedules.
- Writing clear, concise, and accurate engineering reports and specifications with measurable outputs.
- Conducting site surveys, investigations, and asset condition assessments.
- Developing high-level solutions, feasibility studies, and outline mechanical designs.
- Liaising with contractors and suppliers for quotations and undertake technical appraisals of tenders.
- Understanding water industry standards, regulations, and guidance, including Water Supply Regulations and construction design management.
- Supporting Operations in areas requiring more specialist knowledge
What do I need to be successful?
- We require a minimum 2:1 (predicted if not yet graduated) IMechE accredited degree in Mechanical Engineering or a degree meeting IMechE’s CEng accreditation.
- MEng /MSc graduates are preferred, however BEng / BSc graduates will be considered
- BEng graduates must undertake further learning with United Utilities to meet the requirements for Chartership
- Applicants with equivalent degrees must confirm with IMechE and provide evidence.
- You need excellent analytical and problem-solving skills in a mechanical context.
- Knowledge in fluid mechanics, pipework design, materials selection, vibration, and industrial maintenance is essential.
- You must be a team player with ambition, drive, and excellent communication skills.
- A driving license is not required to apply, but you must pass your test within a year of joining.
Additional Information
Our recruitment process requires you to complete:
- An Online application form
- Online tests
- A MS Teams Interview
- An in-person assessment centre
Please note that you must be available to attend an in-person recruitment stage during the period
15th December – 16th December 2025
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout your recruitment journey, please let us know. If you are offered a job with us, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory checking report from Disclosure and Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland.
Application deadline: 13th October 2025 – please apply early as deadlines are subject to change
Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship
Why choose United Utilities for your graduate journey?
Competitive Salary and Benefits: We offer a competitive starting salary of £31,250 which is reviewed each year and will increase annually throughout your graduate scheme, 26 days of annual leave (increasing to 30 days after four years), plus bank holidays. Up to £500 reimbursed towards driving lessons and test which can be backdated*. Our benefits package includes private healthcare, discounted gym membership, flexible holidays, and an award-winning pension scheme.
- subject to time restriction and providing valid receipt
Career Progression Opportunities: Our graduate scheme offers clear pathways for advancement, structured programmes, and mentorship to help you develop into an outstanding leader. You’ll receive a tailored development programme, with opportunities for placements in other areas of the business.
Personal and Professional Development: You’ll have the chance to work within a highly motivated team, gaining a wealth of experience and creating a fantastic professional network. From specialist training to mentoring and coaching to internal support networks for LGBTQ+, Gender Equality and Neurodiversity, we’ll support you every step of the way. There is also potential for sponsorship for a master’s or other postgraduate qualifications.
Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our flexible working policies and supportive work environment ensure you can achieve this balance while pursuing your career goals.
Our Reputation and Culture: United Utilities is proud to be one of the UK’s top inclusive employers. We are a responsible business that cares about delivering great customer service, protecting the environment, and investing in the region to support future growth.
