United Utilities apprentice team scoops hat-trick of accolades at North West Apprenticeship Awards

The apprentice team at United Utilities is celebrating a trio of successes from this year’s North West Apprenticeship Awards, bringing home one individual and two company prizes.

Samuel Johnson, Apprentice Credit Controller in the income team, scooped the award for Intermediate Apprentice of The Year. Sam joined the company in September 2021 and is working towards a Credit Controller and Collector Apprenticeship standard.

His role is all about customer service, helping people set up payment arrangements that suit them. He said: “I am incredibly proud of this achievement, which would not have been possible without my team here at United Utilities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my apprenticeship. I look forward to continuing with my journey. My learning and development does not stop here, it has just started.”

Sam will now go forward for the National Apprenticeship Awards at the end of November, and has also been shortlisted for the Chartered Institute of Credit Management Rising Star Award in February 2023.

At this month’s North West Apprenticeship Awards, United Utilities also won the Recruitment Excellence Award, recognising its commitment to diversity in apprenticeship recruitment, and was Highly Commended in the Macro Employer of the Year category.

Julie Newton, Head of Organisational Development at United Utilities, said: “We’re all absolutely delighted that Sam won this award. He is a real asset to the income team and is often recognised for his excellent way with people and dedication to learning. We’re really proud that he’s part of United Utilities and look forward to helping him develop his career.

“To also win the award for our commitment to diversity in apprenticeship recruitment is fantastic recognition of the positive action we have taken in recent years to increase diversity and representation within United Utilities. This is helping our business thrive, and supporting apprentices from traditionally under-represented groups in our sector is something that we’re really proud of.

“Rounding off our achievements with a Highly Commended award as Macro Employer of the year. Being recognised for our outstanding internal training facilities and quality of provision. Our apprentices are energetic, innovative and bring fresh ideas to United Utilities, across all of the disciplines we offer.

To find out more about working at United Utilities and see the current vacancies, visit: www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/careers/