Graduate Civil Engineer

About us

Every day, we deliver one of life's most essential services to millions of people across the North West. From providing safe, high-quality drinking water to protecting the environment and supporting thriving communities, the work we do matters. We're now in the second year of our £16.5 billion investment programme, one of the largest transformation programmes in our history. It's an exciting time to join us as we improve our services, enhance environmental performance, embrace innovation and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

There's more to us than just great water. We are where purpose flows.

What you can expect being a graduate in Civil Engineering team

As part of our graduate programme, you'll register on the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Approved Training Scheme and receive dedicated support throughout your professional development journey. We'll help you work towards achieving an Engineering Council-approved professional qualification, providing the guidance, experience and structured learning opportunities needed to build a successful career in civil engineering.

Civil engineering projects are delivered through close collaboration across a range of specialisms, so you'll have the opportunity to gain experience in areas such as process, mechanical, electrical, construction and network modelling. Through a variety of placements and projects, you'll broaden your technical knowledge, develop a well-rounded understanding of the industry and learn from experienced colleagues across our business, helping you build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in your future career.

What you’ll be getting stuck into day to day:

• Developing your knowledge of civil, hydraulic, geotechnical, structural design, including the development of site layouts, foundation solutions, pipelines and structural arrangements for water, wastewater and bio resource treatment processes.
• Gaining experience in data gathering and analysis required for engineering design, as well as developing your knowledge of health and safety techniques and the regulatory environment - both of which are really important to us.
• Growing in ability to communicate to both technical and non-technical audiences and have the ability to write clear, concise and accurate engineering design specifications with measurable outputs.
• Our capital projects are focussed on all aspects of the water industry and as a civil engineer you will gain experience and expertise in all aspects, from regulation to project development, conceptual design and construction.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Candidates require a minimum 2:1 Accredited Bachelor’s Degree classification in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• Technically competent with good planning, organisational and problem-solving skills
• Strong at written and interpersonal skills
• An excellent communicator at all levels
• An excellent team player
• A full UK Driving Licence when the scheme commences

Why join United Utilities as a Graduate?

By joining us on our 3-year graduate scheme, you'll not only get first-class training and support, but we'll also provide you with an in-depth understanding of your business area, ultimately giving you the confidence, skills and knowledge required to become one of our future operational, technical or people leaders, driving meaningful change.

What's in it for you?

We know that delivering a great service starts with supporting you, our people. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both at work and outside of it.

• Starting salary of at least £32,250 + £2,000 welcome bonus
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after 4 years + bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution
• Access to colleague wellbeing programmes and dedicated mentors who will support you whilst on scheme
• We’ll contribute up to £500 towards driving lessons and tests to help to get you on the road

Want to learn more about life at United Utilities and explore our full benefits package? Take a look at our Flexa profile here: United Utilities | Verified Employers | Flexa Careers

Our commitment to opportunity for all

We're committed to creating a workplace where you feel you can belong and can succeed. Our colleague networks play an important role in this, these are;

• GeneQ – supporting gender equality, parents and carers
• Multi-Cultural & Faith
• LGBTQ+
• Armed Forces
• Ability – supporting colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions

We recommend that you are open and honest with us throughout the process and make us aware of any reasonable adjustments you may require. Rest assured, we don't use AI to screen your application at any stage of the process. A real person will review your application.

To ensure a fair recruitment process, we ask that you apply for only one Graduate role per recruitment year. Take a look at all our opportunities and apply for the one that interests you most.

Key dates to consider:

• Applications close on 21st October 2026.
• Once applications have closed, a member of the Early Careers team will review your application to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for your chosen role.
• We anticipate this review process may take up to two weeks following the closing date.
• Interviews are expected to take place between 17th and 30th November.