Scientist Review
at United Utilities
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Warrington, Cheshire
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I analyse samples of water from throughout the northwest using various scientific techniques. This includes preparing sub samples with acids and solvents to make them suitable for analysis, and using analytical instruments to break down a sample and find results. For example, wastewater samples enter the laboratory and entered into the systems. The total solid mass is found by weighing a filter paper before and after the sample passes through.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the programme greatly, since I can improve my skills by working a real job in a real laboratory. The equipment is advanced and the training is much more proactive than the average degree. I also enjoy the aspect of 'earn while you learn', since it is a full time job
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Many skills are specific to the laboratory, such as the knowledge of how to work certain instruments. However the general lab skills are developed from school, so on that end the existing skills have been improved. As an apprenticeship, professional skills are also taught and greatly developed, as the course requires near to full time work
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
1 day a week I study from home towards my chemical sciences degree, the other 4 days I go into work for an 8 hour shift. This day release makes it easy to split up uni work and professional work. However, since there is only one day a week for university, it's more difficult to fit everything in.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Regular meetings with mentors, line managers and coaches are sheduled to allow me to raise any concerns. There are also plenty of support services and benefits, both from university and from work. Many of my coworkers are also ex apprentices so it's easier for them to understand my situation if I had any concerns.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Manchester metropolitan has great professors who give amazing lectures. However, since the course is all online, many of the resources we are given are recordings which can be difficult to hear, or see everything that is going on. The lecturers usually reply punctually to emails, but sometimes aren't clear about, for example, exam dates or deadlines
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Since my role is very focused on analysis, the majority of the course is only useful as wider context. Of course, a knowledge of all of chemistry would allow me to perform better in my role, but the time could be better spent on more specific training oriented around the analysis labs
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
During lockdown there wasn't much chance for social activities, but an event has been scheduled for later this year. The Outwards Bounds programme joins apprentices from all over United Utilities on a camping/hiking trip, helping socially connect apprentices from different courses. Labs also like to plan nights out and meals etc
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend United Utilities to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company offers different levels of apprenticeships and placements for many different roles, including engineering, human resources and laboratory science. Even if this isn't one's chosen career, the experience gained from working in the fast paced environment UU offers, while also gaining qualifications from the apprenticeship, is incredibly valuable in the professional world
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to United Utilities?
A tip from our head of recruitment: the priority of an employer is focused 20% on your skill, and 80% on your personality. If you can provide a confident, enthusiastic approach to an interview, you're very likely to be accepted. Also make sure you're prepared to work towards a qualification with only one day a week.
