Grads targeted by new ad campaign literally plastered on the back of a lorry

If you live in Manchester, Salford, Preston, Blackburn, Oldham or Liverpool you may have seen lorries driving around your area covered in huge photos of young people on United Utilities’ graduate scheme.

The lorries are part of a campaign by the water firm to promote its graduate scheme to towns and communities in the North West and encourage more young people to apply before applications close on Sunday 10 November 2019.

Ian Lawson, United Utilities’ recruitment manager, said: “We’re trying new ways to promote our campaign to a wide range of communities to help attract a more diverse workforce and to remind recent graduates that they only have a week to apply for a place on our scheme.

“These photo trucks are just one way we’re setting the wheels in motion. We work hard to create a real community feel for our graduates so they can learn from each other, socialise and take on challenges together. And there's support from senior level managers to help them achieve their potential.

“Our graduates will be joining an inclusive work environment with sites across the North West, from the magnificent lakes of Cumbria to the city life of Manchester and Liverpool and roles as diverse as our locations,” he added.

Two of the graduates featured on the trucks are Ali Osman and Eva Dewsbury who both joined United Utilities’ graduate scheme this summer.

Eva. from Liverpool. is 23 years old. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Liverpool University and while working at United Utilities is also studying to qualify as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer.

Eva said: “I joined United Utilities because I wanted to do something that had a positive impact and I think working in the water industry fits the bill. As a graduate here I feel very well supported. I have a buddy, a mentor and a sponsor. There’s a good focus on mental health and with an onsite gym, among other things, it’s also possible to have a good work/life balance.

“I’ve also been really pleased that I’ve been set quite challenging tasks with colleagues prepared to take the time and trouble guide me through difficult projects. I don’t mind having my photo used to advertise the scheme. Actually, I was one of the few women studying engineering at my university so my photo was used for publicity there a lot too!” added Eva.

Twenty-six year old Dr Ali Osman from Manchester is on the water company’s Future Leaders graduate scheme. He has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Manchester University.

Ali did his dissertation on wastewater treatment and is currently working on a major production planning project.  He commented: “I knew I wanted to work in the water industry and I was attracted to United Utilities’ graduate scheme because of its competitive salary and because it provides me with a company director as my mentor and also gives me the opportunity to work in a variety of different departments.”