06 Oct 2023
United Utilities apprentice scoops Highly Commended accolade at North West National Apprenticeship Awards
A United Utilities apprentice has been Highly Commended in this year’s North West final for the National Apprenticeship Awards.
Katrina Clark, from Lymm, is working towards a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Project Controls with the North West water company.
The 20-year-old was nominated as a regional finalist in the Level 3 Advanced Apprentice category, and collected the Highly Commended accolade at the ceremony in Manchester, with her parents, and line manager Alan Barker watching on.
Kat has already achieved a Level 3 Certificate in Project Controls since joining United Utilities in September 2021, and says she has grown in confidence through the opportunities she has been given.
“From leaving college, I was keen to continue developing myself in an academic sense, but wanted to begin my journey in the world of work,” Kat explains. “An apprenticeship seemed the best possible route to develop whilst putting my learning into practice.”
Kat is part of a team that looks after programmes across the business, helping to ensure they are delivered on time and to budget.
“It’s a really fulfilling role and I’ve developed many skills through it,” Kat continues. “It’s also helped to drive my ambition and motivation, and now I’m always looking for new responsibilities to help support my development within United Utilities
“I was so pleased to be shortlisted, and to come out with the Highly Commended award is just brilliant.”
Alan Barker, Senior Capital Project Controller, is Kat’s line manager. He said: “Kat is a fantastic part of the team and we’re all so proud of her.
“She’s always willing to learn and is also supporting others as part of the North West Apprentice Ambassador Network and through reverse mentoring with colleagues here at United Utilities, which just shows the level of dedication and passion she bring.
“It’s clear that Kat has a bright career ahead of her, and we’re delighted to be able to support her at the start of her journey.”
Kat is also a finalist in the UK Project Controls Apprentice of the Year Awards in November.