03 Jul 2023
United Utilities welcomes 15 interns as part of national career development programme to boost diversity
Water company United Utilities has welcomed 15 interns as part of a national programme to give students and graduates better access to career development opportunities.
The 10,000 Black Interns scheme coordinates paid summer placements each year at companies across the UK, giving students and recent graduates a flying start in their career. United Utilities has taken part in the scheme for two years, welcoming 40 interns during that time. Last summer, six interns went on to work for the company more permanently.
For summer 2023, the United Utilities interns have taken up roles across the business, including in maintenance, engineering, and project management. They will work with the company for eight weeks, during which time they will gain hands-on experience in the job and take part in supplementary sessions to help support their future careers. This involves CV and interview workshops, ‘lunch and learn’ sessions with company directors, time with the company’s multi-cultural network and early careers board, as well as a day of team-building activities with the local Army Reserves.
Dougie Njoroge has joined United Utilities after completing a Master’s degree in environmental sciences in Manchester. He said: “The main reason why I applied to United Utilities was from reading reviews online about the workplace culture. I want to work somewhere that I feel included and see people who look like me, as well as people who don’t.”
Deinso Douglas studied mechanical engineering at Lancaster University and applied for the internship at United Utilities because she’d seen positive feedback from women employees. “That drew me in,” she explained. “I want to use the opportunity to get management experience, as well as technical experience.”
Adrienne McFarland, People Director at United Utilities, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our newest recruits, who we’re sure will bring a wealth of creativity, innovative ideas and enthusiasm.
“We’re committed to attracting the best talent to help us make our region stronger, greener and healthier, and we recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion in achieving that.
“Being part of the 10,000 Black Interns programme is an excellent way for us to support students and graduates, helping to tackle underrepresentation and opening up opportunities that they may not otherwise have had. We’re really proud to be part of the scheme and we’re looking forward to working with the interns over the summer.”
United Utilities has been ranked #7 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List 2021/22 – a definitive list of UK based organisations that promote inclusion across all protected characteristics, throughout each level of employment.