Apprentice Process Controller (Water) Review

On a day-to-day basis, I check several readings across site, complete lab calibrations and samples, complete maintenance tasks (such as monitor cleaning), monitor filter washes, accept chemical deliveries, changing reagents, analysis SCADA trends and optimising site's health and safety.
For my apprenticeship, I regularly record different learnings that prove my progress towards a full-time role, create presentation "performances" and critical reflections detailing different tasks/events and my learnings from them, and completing coursework on different topics.

At United Utilities, there is a clear structure for the apprenticeship programmes. For me as an Apprentice Process Controller, my first month was spent completing training courses and spending a week at Outward Bound in Eskdale, Cumbria. After that, me and my cohort would spend a week at either Bolton or Leigh training centres learning a topic for that week and then would be given an assignment which needed to be completed by the next training week. Once we had completed all of our coursework, we would then spend one day a month at Leigh training centre as we completed our critical reflections and performances gaining live feedback.

I receive lots of support from my employer. The Apprenticeship team are a friendly team who do a fantastic job in developing a range of Apprentices from people who may begin with no knowledge whatsoever in their field to becoming professionals by the programmes-end. My trainer specifically is passionate and dedicated towards getting the best out of her students. On-site, me and my manager have frequent discussions about my progression and we collaboratively identify areas of development.

I receive feedback frequently from my trainer where we identify areas of improvement and I receive praise for things that I have done/am doing well.

My qualification directly helps me perform better in role as the coursework helps contextualise all aspects of my role and it also empowers me when engaging with live situations at a Water Treatment Works such as an unplanned site shutdown.

Yes

United Utilities provides the environment for you to really develop, not only in your career but personally too. Through my apprentice programme, I have learned a passion and resilience which empowers me to consistently work towards my goals and I find a real part of my identity in my work. Training as a Process Controller, you learn to understand how much actually goes into water process and how crucial the role is in getting it right adhering to lots of different regulations.
As a United Utilities apprentice, you get £500 towards driving lessons and the test, a dedicated manager and site mentor, the opportunity to represent UU at internal and external events, 26 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days after four years), a virtual GP service for you and your family, up to 25% off gym memberships, opportunity to invest in the company and with the pension scheme and plenty of MHFA-certified Mental Health First Aiders across company to sign post you in times you may require some help mentally and more.