Environmental Analyst Apprentice Review
at United Utilities
Degree Apprenticeship
Data Analysis, Environmental Science
Warrington, Cheshire
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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 am a data analyst, working with a team of experts to ultimately manage and deliver a regulatory programme to ensure the company remains compliant with environmental standards. On a day-to-day basis, I engage in a range of activities, including GIS software and Excel to produce high-quality maps and spreadsheets, as well as communicating with environmental regulators (The Environment Agency) to discuss investment opportunities that will improve United Utilities' environmental performance.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship. All colleagues that I have come across are welcoming and friendly, always willing to answer any question, no matter how 'silly' it may sound. The university/degree element of the apprenticeship is interesting, well-organised and relevant to my job role. Modules that I study have strong links with work that I do at UU, which has been convenient to apply knowledge from university to my day-to-day tasks. I am given the opportunity to develop outside of my day-to-day job using 'off-the-job' learning time, which has allowed me to explore a variety of business practices, including site visits and STEM events with local schools. This additional learning has been embraced by my colleagues at UU, allowing me to maintain a strong balance between work/university, whilst progressing my professional development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt key elements of GIS software, which has been interesting to see how data is inputted to create visualisations that can be used across the wider business. I have built on existing Excel skills, learning more advanced formulas to optimise efficiency. My communication skills have also improved, as I feel more confident when presenting my work to colleagues, and I can comfortably approach people to ask relevant questions. The Apprenticeship Standard is a great document to determine what skills I am progressing through my apprenticeship, whilst also identifying areas for improvement.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is well structured, with clear expectations and requirements that all relevant parties are aware of. Clear communication from the university allows me to stay up-to-date with what is required, and speaking to fellow students ensures I am on-track with the course content. Quarterly meetings with myself, my employer and my academic mentor at university allow for regular communication to discuss progress and gives the opportunity to ask questions about the apprenticeship. Having university support that can be contacted throughout the apprenticeship is helpful when any queries/concerns arise.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My colleagues at UU are incredibly understanding of my apprenticeship requirements, and acknowledge that I have other commitments alongside work, e.g., university assignments, module content, off-the-job learning etc. This also means that they can identify and suggest opportunities for my development, relevant to the Apprenticeship Standard. Frequent catch-ups to discuss progress are useful to identify potential opportunities that count towards off-the-job learning, which my manager is always keen to explore.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Having regular catch-ups with my academic mentor in university gives me an opportunity to ask any content-related questions that I have. This is further supported by quarterly meetings with my manager and university tutor, where we can discuss professional development and my progress on the course. Regular remote Microsoft Teams lectures give me the opportunity to talk to tutors and collaborate with other students, and having access to communication platforms to contact professors is also useful to clear any confusion surrounding content and assignments.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The course content is directly relevant to my role, allowing me to draw links between university content and my daily tasks. Being new to the water industry, it was great to get some background knowledge that helped me understand United Utilities' operations, for example, determining water quality during a university visit. University has also taught me several literacy skills that are useful to my job role, e.g., how to skim/scan documents and the ideal layout of documents.
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
There are different networks at UU that colleagues can join, which often host events/gatherings/sessions to discuss relevant topics. There is a gym/running community that host regular sessions for those who are interested.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend United Utilities to a friend?
Yes
Why?
United Utilities is a great company to work for, offering a wide range of employee benefits, with some 'apprenticeship specific' examples: £500 towards driving lessons/test, a residential trip when starting the scheme, colleague networks etc.
Colleagues at UU are helpful and kind, making the daunting experience of starting a new company thoroughly enjoyable.
Colleagues at UU are helpful and kind, making the daunting experience of starting a new company thoroughly enjoyable.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to United Utilities?
Make sure you are interested in and passionate about the job role that you are applying for, then research and prepare evidence to prove you are the right person for the job.
If applying for an apprenticeship, research the Apprenticeship Standard prior to applying, and incorporate elements into your application.
If applying for an apprenticeship, research the Apprenticeship Standard prior to applying, and incorporate elements into your application.
