Meet Matt, our future leader graduate

Matt Postlethwaite joined us in 2021 on the Future Leaders graduate scheme, after completing an undergraduate degree in geography and a masters in environmental science, both at the University of Liverpool.

“The Future Leaders graduate scheme at United Utilities really appealed to me because it offered the opportunity to spend time in a variety of different business areas, receive mentoring from senior leaders, and work to support the environment in the North West,” Matt says.

“Right from the start myself and the other graduates who joined at the same time were made to feel part of the team at United Utilities, and that inclusive culture is something that everyone champions. We all went on an Outward Bound course to get to know each other, and ever since then there’s been great support among the graduates.

“I’m now in the final year of the three-year programme, and it has been a fantastic way to put my learning into practice in different ways. The programme is set up in six-month blocks, so I’ve been able to move around various areas of the business and find out about the wide variety of jobs within United Utilities, and see how everyone works together to provide water and wastewater services to millions of people around the region.”

Matt is based at our headquarters in Warrington, and hopes to go on to work in bioresources, fleet and green energy transformation after the graduate programme is finished in August 2024.

 “I’ve gained so much from working at United Utilities, and I’m proud to say I work for the North West’s water company,” Matt continues. “It’s a fantastic place to work – there’s so much support in terms of career development through training and mentoring programmes; a great culture where people are encouraged to be themselves; and fantastic benefits too.

“The graduate scheme is helping me gain the skills, qualifications and experience I need to move to a leadership position in the future, and I would definitely recommend graduates to take a look at the opportunities.”