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Mechanical Field Service Engineer Review

at United Utilities

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Mechanical Engineering

Workington

Review Submitted: April 2026

Overall Rating

5 /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 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
5/5 - 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 come in for 8 in the morning, then me and my trainer will be assigned jobs to complete throughout the day. We then go out in the van to the various jobs which we have been assigned. When on the job, it is essential that I wear all the correct PPE as United Utilities' main concern is the fact that I go home, safe and well. I am hands on in my role and do everything that is asked of me to the highest standard I possibly can. We normally have a half an hour dinner which is around 12. After dinner, we get back to working. Once the jobs are complete and we are happy, I go and wash my hands then head home at 4pm.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my work at United Utilities. I am surrounded by good work colleagues and excellent trainers. United Utilities really promote a work life balance so that is great for myself and all employees. There is many benefits in working for United Utilities, such as going on a 5 day Outward Bound course at Eskdale in the Lake District which helps you meet all of the other apprentices and helps builds confidence going ahead in my program. There is access to mental health first aiders and a fantastic benefits and rewards programme.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I am learning new skills every day at United Utilities as there is so many assets, I am always working on different things. Every day is different and there is no two days the same, this is great for keeping motivated throughout my apprenticeship. There is a great training centre down at Bolton in which I learn new skills and I can then take them back onto site. The training centre has bays for Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation Engineers. The trainers and mentors have been of great help in teaching us the skills that they have aquired.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
From day one, the organisation of the company has been excellent. Between getting my job offer and starting the apprenticeship. we had a Keeping In Touch (K.I.T.) day which helped us get to know all of the other apprentices before the course started and this was all organised perfectly. United Utilities sent out all of the calendar for the first calendar year so I knew when I could be at the training centre and back at home. All the hotels used for the training centre were all organised well with no issues.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
At United Utilities everyone is very supportive. This goes as far as production managers and people higher up in the company. Our trainers are always there if we need a helping hand and they support us where possible. There is various mental health first aiders which can help me if I am struggling with my mental health. Andy Man's club spoke to us directly about what help is on offer at United Utilities for everyone's mental health.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
This question is answered above as my employer is providing my training.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification helps me perform better in my role as it teaches me everything that I will use out on site. I learn the skills in the training centre with my trainers and then I take the skills I have learnt out onto site. Because my trainer has been a Field Service Engineer, I can ring him if I am struggling with a job and he can advise me on what to do. Even when I am back on site, I can ring my trainer at anytime and he will always help me if needed.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
A lot of the employees will often go on dinner time walks to get out of the office or workplace for half an hour and have a catch up. Every year there is a Christmas party with all of the employees from each team, as well as many team meals and dinners. There is gym in the hotel where I stay when I am training down at Bolton and United Utilities promote living a healthy lifestyle so they advise we use the gym to keep fit and healthy.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend United Utilities to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have worked at other places other than United Utilities and this is by far the best place I have ever worked. It has a really laid back atmosphere and everyone is really welcoming and friendly. I look forward to work each day to learn new skills and learn about all the different sites. There is a excellent training centre and excellent holidays package. As well as an excellent holiday package, I can only get 3 volunteering days and opportunities to represent United Utilities at internal and external events.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to United Utilities?
My advice would be that if a job comes up for United Utilities to apply for it as it will be the best place you'll ever work.
In This Review
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