Meet Bryce

Apprentice information

Name: Bryce Ainsworth
Age: 23
Job title: Apprentice Process Controller

Apprentice answers

What’s your story - how did you end up applying for an apprenticeship?

I applied to be an Apprentice Process Controller. I had worked in some other companies before but I did not feel I was working towards a career, which was starting to affect my outlook. For many of us work is the place we spend most of our lives, so I applied consciously with the fact that I was applying to be part of a great company, with space to potentially move around, and really have something to dedicate myself towards. Through research I also found that United Utilities offered exceptional pay rates for apprentices, with great company benefits, and a great internal training system.

What attracted to you to an apprenticeship at your water company instead of
somewhere else?

What attracted me to an apprenticeship at United Utilities instead of somewhere else is the fact that I loved the idea of my work being integral for the general public’s daily life. With wholesome water being crucial to our existence, I knew I would be working in a role that has a lot of responsibility attached to it.

What are you most proud of about your apprenticeship?

What I am most proud of about my apprenticeship so far is completing the Outward Bound trip! I went to Eskdale in Cumbria for the week with the rest of the 2024 Apprenticeship cohort where we completed lots of outdoors-based tasks such as canoeing, rock climbing and gorge scrambling. Through this trip I learned vital skills such as resilience, the importance of teamwork, motivation and risk assessment which I confidently brought into my role.

What surprised you most about your apprenticeship?

What surprised me the most about my apprenticeship was the amount of support I have received mental-health wise. My trainer especially is someone who really makes the effort to understand my perspective, giving clear advice and being someone who I can confidently speak to about any issues I may be experiencing. The apprenticeship team and pastoral support have also made conscious efforts to show support which is something I really appreciate!

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about their future or starting an apprenticeship?

My advice would be to just apply! You’d be joining a company with great benefits, in a robust industry, where you have the potential to take your career wherever you would like to. University is not for everyone and you can quickly build up a lot of debt. Being an apprentice at United Utilities you get paid a good starting wage whilst you learn from both site and training centre settings