United Utilities helps young people kickstart careers

Twenty young people from across the North West have joined water company United Utilities on a six month placement.

The new starters are the first of over 200 new recruits who will join United Utilities over the next 12-months, in a bid to create work opportunities for young people who have borne the brunt of the economic slowdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of the Government’s new Kick Start programme, 16-24-year olds who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long term unemployment will be given a leg up in the world of work and will receive job-related and employability skills training by United Utilities.

United Utilities’ customer services and people director, Louise Beardmore, explained: “We know the North West has some of the highest levels of deprivation in the UK and in the past year life has got even tougher for many. We’re absolutely certain there are some fantastic young people out there who just need a break and, as one of the biggest employers in the region, we need to be doing our bit to help too. For many of the people who apply this will lead to full-time roles here with us at United Utilities, and others will leave us with some great new skills to take to other employers.”

To make sure the young people get the most out of this offering, the company has put in place a dedicated placement manager to oversee the new starters, as well as a Kickstart Skills Coach to ensure a robust programme is in place that enables all the new recruits to fulfil their potential and launch their careers.

“These new employees will work alongside the core teams of our organisation, from customer services, to working in our state-of-the art laboratory. There are significant opportunities across our organisation and within our supply chain.  We are really excited to welcome our new starters, said Louise.

Through the Kickstart Scheme and the company’s apprenticeship programme, graduate scheme, summer placements and internship opportunities, United Utilities is helping to boost the long-term job prospects of nearly 400 young people over the next 12 months.