Colleague Training
At United Utilities we have an internal training delivery team responsible for the identification, development and implementation of training across UU, to ensure we provide a safe and great place to work. A vast amount of our training and education programmes are delivered through our in-house team of experienced trainers and specialists, including many of our wide-range of award winning apprenticeship programmes.
Our comprehensive training curriculums are focussed on the specific knowledge, skills and behaviours that our colleagues need to safely, effectively and competently undertake their roles, to ensure best service to customers. We use a range of delivery platforms to ensure efficient, effective and accessible training, including internally-created online content, remote delivery through digital platforms, classroom and practical assessment often at our purpose-built training facilities at 4 key locations across the region. Our online training resources are available at all times for our colleagues to reference, supporting all through digital accessibility.
We are committed to the ongoing investment into the development of colleagues across United Utilities. During 2025/26 each colleague on average completed 27.69 hours training at an average investment of £472.01 per colleague. Below are some examples of our training, assessment and awareness programmes:
Example 1 |
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In 2025 United Utilities set a new benchmark for workforce competency and operational excellence by becoming the first water company in the UK to extend the Competent Operator Scheme (COS). The COS was established to ensure operational competence in the water sector, with a focus on workforce capability, quality assurance, and drinking water safety. It was created through a collaboration between water companies, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), Water UK, and Energy and Utility Skills to define and maintain consistent standards across the sector. United Utilities have delivered the scheme for its water treatment employees since 2018 and has extended this to include a further 300 employees working across the wider water network. Our COS training and assessment ensures that employees working on water networks have the necessary skills and competence to restore supply, detect leakages, and carry out other essential operational tasks efficiently and safely. All colleagues on the scheme have been supported through a digital transition, to submit and record their competence evidence on an online portfolio, which is assessed and feedback provided, with coaching and training given where required. By implementing the COS across its network teams, United Utilities is further securing its service reliability and strengthening its commitment to water quality and security. |
Example 2 |
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We are experiencing a rapidly expanding technology landscape including new data platforms, analytical tools and interaction with AI capabilities. Over 2025-26 we’ve been working hard to focus on the competence of our colleagues and have created a unified Data and AI Learning area, available to every colleague, that brings all training, guidance, and resources into a single, easy‑to‑navigate location. We are focussing on 3 fundamental areas: assuring reliable, accurate and timely data; building confidence, capability, and consistency with the software and tools that power daily work; and building confidence in the responsible use of AI to embed AI as an assistant in everyday work. These structured topics ensure colleagues can locate and navigate relevant learning pathways and promote enhanced adoption of new technologies, to become more confident with data, software and AI in their day-to-day roles. |
Example 3 |
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Through targeted training and colleague awareness campaigns, we promote water efficiency and demand reduction at our sites, while also increasing understanding of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and the important role they play in the management of water resources, surface water and protecting the environment. |