Megan shows there is opportunity on tap for new apprentices in Warrington

22-year old Megan Mason is encouraging other young people from the town to consider an apprenticeship, after starting her career through the scheme.
 
Megan from Woolston, Warrington, began working with the north west’s water and wastewater firm United Utilities, five years ago as a customer service apprentice and has worked her way up to become a digital optimisation officer.

United Utilities is currently looking for 62 new apprentices, including three customer service apprentices at its headquarters in Lingley Mere.

Megan said: “I started my apprenticeship when I was 17 after leaving college after a year as I really didn’t enjoy it. At the time, my family would have definitely preferred for me to go to university, but the hands-on approach of an apprenticeship really appealed to me.

“I saw the opportunity to be a customer service apprentice and I really liked the look of it as you got to work in different departments to get a wider feel for the business. I was initially interested in becoming an accountant, but I was open to finding out about other roles.

“The first year of my apprenticeship involved being on the telephone in the customer service department dealing with queries and I also went out on the road with the water and wastewater team to see how we tackle problems like unblocking drains and detecting water leaks.

“I then moved to the digital and communications team where I helped with the maintenance and development of the United Utilities website and app.
 
“It was a great experience and I was given lots of training so I quickly improved my skills. I then went on to secure a permanent position here as a digital optimisation officer.”

Doing the apprenticeship was life-changing for Megan as it opened her eyes to new career opportunities. She added: “Without this apprenticeship and having the opportunity to try out different roles, I never would have considered a career in digital. It’s been the best decision I have ever made and I love how varied my job is. My boyfriend is an accountant now and it made me realise that it wasn’t the career for me as it seems really repetitive.

“I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to other people looking for their next steps. I knew further education wasn’t for me and taking this route has given me the opportunity to gain qualifications and have hands-on experience without getting into the debt by going to university.”

“My next step is to do a degree around my role and start United Utilities’ aspiring management course, a programme that will give me the skills and confidence to progress to the next level and become a digital optimisation manager.”

United Utilities is currently searching for the next generation of key workers and is recruiting 62 apprentices from across the north west.

Roles available at its head office in Lingley Mere include customer service apprenticeships in business systems, billing and service recovery, as well as scientist, data analyst, buyer and HR roles.

You can find out more about the roles

www.unitedutilities.com/apprenticeships