Apprentice Scientist Review
at United Utilities
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Science
Warrington, Cheshire
Review Submitted: February 2022
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I prepare and analyse water samples from public and corporate customers. When samples come into the lab, I enter them onto the database and find which samples need certain tests, depending on which method I'm running. I follow a Quality Index which states the proper way to prepare samples for analysis, and then I run the instrument with the samples in. Once the analysis is finished, I can process the results and send them out to the customers.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I absolutely love my job - preparing and analysing samples in a laboratory environment is so interesting to me. The programme as a whole contains a BSc in Chemical Sciences, which I don't enjoy so much. I'm sure the information I learn in the degree will be very helpful but I definitely prefer the 4 days at work than the 1 day at uni each week.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a wealth of skills specific to the job - I am trained in several different analytical methods such as analysis of Water Solvents and pH using a Skalar Autoanalyser. I've also developed my skills in professionalism, since this job has forced me to work on my time management and work ethics.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
United Utilities have the work side covered very well. In my first year, I change labs every 3 months so I can learn many different methods in different departments. Then, in my second year I'm placed for between 4 and 7 months so I can focus on one or two particular methods, which I think is a very good structure. The university course has been lacking a bit in structure, with some topics being a lot less well covered than others, but it's usually alright by the exam.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I'm constantly reminded by my managers that I'm always welcome to come to them for help in anything, be it work, university or even personal issues. I work with people who are incredibly knowledgeable in chemistry, so I'm offered a lot of support especially for my university course.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
As part time students, we're never the professors' first priority. They'll always try to squeeze as many support lectures in as possible, but lots of the time they don't have space in their schedule to provide the support we need. Lots of our material is pre-recorded as well so it means we often have to wait for an email response to any questions we have.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
As much as I enjoy my job, there's not that much 'chemistry theory' knowledge needed for it. It definitely helps solve problems when you know what's going on with the chemicals, but usually as long as you follow the method instructions, someone without a chemistry background would be just as suitable. However, if I were to move up in the company and become a senior or technical, my degree in chemistry would definitely help.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
We have a few social events now and then, but there's nothing regular. I'm not too bothered by this since I have university events as well, and transport to any professional events will be difficult for me. A more outgoing person may want more extra-curricular activities at work but for me, there's the perfect amount.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend United Utilities to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company is incredibly inclusive, celebrating cultural history events whenever they appear. This makes working here seem really friendly and welcoming, so I think no matter where you are in the company you'll enjoy working at UU. The business park I work at is also very nicely kept and presented, leading to a better state of wellbeing while on company grounds.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to United Utilities?
A friendly company wants friendly employees, so if you present yourself well like that in an interview, they'll most likely pick you over someone with more experience but a worse attitude. Once you've proven that you're fit for the job, the rest of your effort should go into bringing across your personality - you want your interviewer to feel like they know you better than any other candidate.
