Last updated 17:29, Wednesday, 24 September 2008

TAPPING IN: United Utilities apprentice Russell Clark, from Walney (left), with fellow apprentice Oliver Roberts (right) working on a water valve

SOMETIMES we forget how lucky we are to be able to turn a tap and get clean water.
It does not happen by itself – there is a team of trained professionals working to keep our taps flowing with fresh water.
Russell Clark from Walney is a third year apprentice with United Utilities.
The 21-year-old is training on the job in water operations to become a Network owner, using the latest technology to keep the water flowing.
Network owners are the first to be called out to any bursts or problems with supplies – it is their job to get the water back on and arrange for the repairs to be done.
The former Barrow Sixth Form College student works the Cumbrian patch of Barrow, Kendal, and Lancaster, with colleague Oliver Roberts, from Lancashire. Both men discovered their new career through their families.
Russell, said: “My dad works for United Utilities and he said it was a good company to work for.
“I had finished my A Levels at Barrow Sixth Form College and was working part-time at Tesco. I wanted something full-time with a future and an apprentice scheme is the best way to go about it.”
Oliver, also 21 and a third year apprentice, said: “I didn’t want to go to university, so this was a good option.”
United Utilities’ 2.8 million customers expect high quality drinking water.
The company provides clean water to homes, schools, offices, and factories all over the North West.
Apprentices learn how to collect, store, and distribute the water.
As Network owners they are responsible for the vital operation and controlling of all aspects of our multi-million pound water network.
Each apprentice takes NVQs and City and Guilds qualifications. Both Russell and Oliver have completed their NVQ in water engineering at Bolton College and are part way through their leakage detection NVQ. The pair are set to complete their advanced apprenticeship programme in the next six months.
They both enjoy the variety the job provides and the wide area they cover, as they work in both Cumbria and Lancashire.
Russell said: “You get out and about and are not tied to one place, you could find yourself in Kendal, Lancaster or Barrow.”
Oliver said: “It does give you variation – one minute you could be rushing to find the cause of a burst and repair it, while other times you will be checking and monitoring things.”
As well as gaining their qualifications, apprentices are expected to complete health and safety training courses.
United Utilities apprentices must either hold a current driving licence or be prepared to learn to drive.
They also need to have five GCSEs level C or above, including maths, English and science.
United Utilities will be recruiting advanced apprentices from December. Applications are posted on www.unitedutilities.com. For more email angela.lilley@uuplc.co.uk.