Level 6 Operational Technology Engineer Apprentice

United Utilities

Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington (WA5 3LP)

Closes in 9 days (Monday 23 February 2026)

Posted on 30 January 2026

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Summary

Are you ready to live your future? Do you want to be part of building a greener, healthier, and stronger North West? Come and join us! We’ll provide you with industry-leading skills and the experience you need to succeed in your chosen field.

• Wage:

  £21,000 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Reward and benefits – There are lots of perks, including a starting salary of £21,000, which will increase each year based on performance

• Training course: Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, shifts to be confirmed.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Wednesday 2 September 2026

• Duration:

  5 years

• Positions available:

  4

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Operational Technology is at the heart of how we run our water and wastewater systems. As an Apprentice OT Engineer, you’ll work with the digital and automated systems that keep our treatment works, pumping stations and networks operating safely and efficiently. 
You’ll learn how to:

• Work with PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, industrial networks and automation systems used across our sites
• Specify process instrumentation/sensors such as flow meters, level monitors and water quality analysers
• Support the cyber secure design, testing, installation and maintenance of control systems
• Help commission new equipment and diagnose faults
• Use Siemens & Schneider technologies such as TIA Portal, S7‑1500 PLCs, PROFINET/PROFIBUS and industrial drives
• Contribute to real engineering projects that improve water quality, reduce environmental impact and support our long‑term sustainability goals
• Work within an environment where health and safety is an embedded part of our core business

Where you'll work

Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington
WA5 3LP

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SIEMENS ENERGY INDUSTRIAL TURBOMACHINERY LIMITED

Training course

Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
• Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
• Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
• Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
• Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
• Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
• Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.
• Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
• Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
• Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
• Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
• Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
• Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
• Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.

Training schedule

You will spend the majority of your time working with and alongside engineers and technicians on operational sites as part of your on-the-job training. This will be supported by block release vocational training working through a HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and a BEng (Hons) in Control & Automation. 

Years 1–3 (Siemens and Wigan & Leigh College).

Year 4 (University of Salford).

More training information

As part of your induction, you will attend a residential trip in the Lake District.  This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in a beautiful setting with your fellow apprentices.  Accommodation and boarding will be provided.

During your apprenticeship, you may need to travel to your place of study. If you’re not local to your place of study, accommodation will either be provided or re-imbursed by United Utilities during this period (excluding weekends). Please consider travel requirements and staying away from home if applicable.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• 5 GCSE's minimum or equivalent (grade A-C or 9-4)
• Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject (grade A-C or 9-4)

A Level in:

• 3 subjects including Maths and Science or equiv (grade A-C / 120 Credit BTEC)
• Maths and Science (grade A-C or 120 credit BTEC)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working

Other requirements

3 A Levels at grade C or above to include maths and a science-based subject, or a 120 credit BTEC in Engineering with a distinction grade in their maths unit. You will need to be mobile in this role and so you will need a driving licence within 12 months of starting the apprenticeship.

About this employer

United Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater services in the North West of England. From 2025-2030 we will undertake the largest investment in water and wastewater services in the North West in 100 years - that's more than £13 billion worth of projects. Now, more than ever, we need inspiring future talent to help make the North West stronger, greener, and healthier. 

https://www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/careers/apprenticeships/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

26 days of leave (excluding bank holidays), a £500 contribution towards learning to drive, and many more benefits. 

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

• Every apprentice is guaranteed a permanent position at the end of their scheme (as long as you meet all necessary standards and behaviour criteria throughout the programme)

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SIEMENS ENERGY INDUSTRIAL TURBOMACHINERY LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000011719.

Apply now

Closes in 9 days (Monday 23 February 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.