Water and wastewater company for the North West, United Utilities, has partnered with leading early careers organisation, Pathway CTM, in a bid to attract talented local apprentices to help deliver its five year business plan.
Between 2025-2030, United Utilities will be undertaking the largest investment in water and wastewater services in the North West in 100 years – totalling £13 billion worth of projects.
Keen to attract and develop diverse, local early talent to support the project, the company has partnered with Pathway CTM to help build a consistent pipeline of talented people into key roles from engineers, water network technicians and project managers to data analysts, scientists and environmental specialists.
Pathway CTM, a social enterprise specialising in connecting employers with career conscious, engaged students from diverse and under-represented backgrounds, is helping ensure the recruitment process is inclusive and effective, and that applicants are supported at every stage of the process.
All apprenticeship listings will be promoted directly to students, teachers and career leads in key locations throughout the region and through Pathway CTM’s online channels, with regular outreach and engagement.
Pathway CTM offers high-quality, personalised mentoring support for all apprentice applicants within United Utilities’ pipeline to help guide students through the application process and ensure they feel prepared, informed and confident.
Continued development support is also available to unsuccessful applicants through one-to-one mentoring and online employability modules, while insights and regular reporting will help United Utilities to monitor its impact and adapt its approach to apprentice recruitment where needed.
Gareth Ellis-Roberts, Talent Attraction & Outreach Advisor at United Utilities said: “I’m really pleased to be joining forces with Pathway CTM to help every apprenticeship applicant achieve the best possible outcome.
“We understand that securing an apprenticeship can be truly life-changing, and we’re committed to giving everyone the chance to be the best version of themselves throughout our recruitment process. By partnering with Pathway, we’re excited to see this vision become a reality.
“United Utilities has also been recognised as one of the UK’s best employers for apprentices. The company ranked 88th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and is the only utilities company to make the list. We’re proud of this achievement and excited to welcome over 500 apprentices in the coming years”.
Chris McNamara, founder and CEO of Pathway CTM, said: “We’re always keen to partner with organisations that are invested in supporting the futures of young people, and United Utilities is doing just that.
“Securing an apprenticeship gives young people the chance to gain essential skills, learn from experienced colleagues, gain qualifications and enjoy a wide range of personal development opportunities, setting them up for long-term success.
“Supporting young people into fulfilling and rewarding careers starts with opportunity, so we’re looking forward to seeing this partnership thrive.”
Pathway CTM partners with 50 leading employers and works with thousands of students every year through free events, mentoring and career resources, with a mission to make sure all young people – regardless of background – get the opportunities they deserve.
For more information, visit: www.pathwayctm.com
