Katrina

Katrina's STORY

Level 3 Project Controls Technician Apprenticeship, United Utilities, United Utilities

Level 3 Project Controls Technician Apprenticeship, United Utilities
United Utilities

Katrina chose an apprenticeship with United Utilities as it played to her strengths in maths.

I am currently enrolled in a Level 3 Project Controls Technician apprenticeship with United Utilities. After leaving sixth form, I pursued A-levels in math, physics, and psychology. The allure of this role initially stemmed from my strength in mathematics.

My responsibilities involve analysing project data and ensuring that projects are delivered within budget, on time, and to the correct standard.

I have been in this role for 2 1/2 years, and I am due to complete it in the next few months. As part of my preparation, I have started getting ready for the endpoint assessment.

Over the past two years, I have acquired numerous technical and soft skills. These are skills I believe I would have struggled to learn had I gone to university.

In a delightful turn of events, I was honoured with a national award at Wembley Stadium in London for being the Project Control’s Apprentice of the Year. This opportunity would not have been possible if I had chosen the university route.

I specifically chose United Utilities because they are a local company based in the northwest. Additionally, I had heard positive things about their apprenticeship scheme, and my experience has confirmed that they genuinely invest time in developing their apprentices.

Why did you choose to work in the water industry?

I know that at the moment, there are many significant projects underway in the water industry, resulting in numerous available roles. This aspect initially attracted me to the field. Additionally, there’s ample room for career progression, given the industry’s breadth. You can explore different departments, and if you find that your current role isn’t the right fit, you have the flexibility to move sideways and then return to your original department. Overall, there’s abundant opportunity in the industry right now.

What is the most interesting mind-blowing unexpected thing that you’ve learned during your apprenticeship so far?

I think my perspective has been somewhat different—more focused on people. I’ve noticed how willing people in the industry are to help. For my coursework, I had to gather a lot of evidence and demonstrate skills that I don’t typically use in my day-to-day job. This meant reaching out to different departments and seeking assistance from others. I was pleasantly surprised by how everyone was genuinely willing to help and wanted to see me succeed.

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Over the past two years, I have acquired numerous technical and soft skills. These are skills I believe I would have struggled to learn had I gone to university.

– Katrina Clark

Level 3 Project Controls Technician Apprenticeship, United Utilities

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