United Utilities
Civil and Hydraulic Summer Intern
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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 an intern in the Civil and Hydraulic engineering team
As a Civil and Hydraulic Engineering Intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working on real projects that help deliver essential water and wastewater services to millions of customers. Working alongside experienced engineers and technical specialists, you'll contribute to a wide range of infrastructure projects, including water treatment works, clean water pipelines, wastewater networks, reservoirs, and environmental improvement schemes. Throughout the 12-week placement, you'll develop your technical and professional skills, take ownership of meaningful tasks with support from your team, and gain valuable insight into how engineering projects are delivered at United Utilities. You'll also have opportunities to visit operational sites, see our processes in action, and connect with our graduate community for career advice, guidance, and inspiration for your future in engineering.
What you’ll be getting stuck into day to day:
- In the Engineering department the successful students will join a large team working on real business projects, carrying out a variety of engineering tasks.
- There is an opportunity to develop your civil engineering skills whilst gaining real world experience working alongside technical specialists and engineers solving problems that could impact customers and the environment.
- You will gain exposure to a wide range of water and wastewater projects and infrastructure. This may include (but not limited to) improvements to water treatment plants, clean water pipelines, wastewater network, and wastewater treatment works. Other types of projects may involve enhancements to watercourses and impounding reservoirs.
- You will benefit from the shared knowledge within the Civil Engineering Team and expertise of working with colleagues across the wider Engineering disciplines whilst also developing your own specialist skills and providing a valuable contribution to the team.
- We will help you gain an understanding of the projects being undertaken by United Utilities and the methods used to deliver them. Specific tasks may be assigned during this time. You will be accountable for delivering these with the support of experienced engineers and your line manager.
- During your 12 week internship you may also be given the opportunity to visit some of our sites. You'll see how we carefully produce clean safe drinking water and how we treat wastewater in order to release it safely back in to the environment.
- You will also get the opportunity to mix with our graduates who can share experiences, tips and guidance with you for the next steps in your career.
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What you’ll bring to the team:
- Have researched and have knowledge of United Utilities' engineering activities.
- Be working towards at least a 2:1 in an ICE accredited Civil Engineering degree.
- Be in your penultimate year of studying a relevant engineering degree.
- Have varied technical knowledge, not only through academic experience, but also through social and professional experience.
- Have a strong foundation of maths and science A-levels.
- Have good computer skills particularly in Microsoft Office.
- Be motivated and enthusiastic, an excellent team player, possessing ambition and drive.
- Possess good written and interpersonal skills and have the ability to communicate and influence across all levels.
- Be able to be comfortable working flexibly across a range of tasks and activities to deadlines as well as being able to prioritise your time.
Why join United Utilities as an intern?
By joining us on our Internship programme, 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.
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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 £25,950 pro-rated
- 26 days annual leave + bank holidays – pro rated
- Up to 14% employer pension contribution
- Access to colleague wellbeing programmes and dedicated mentors who will support you whilst on scheme
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](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 November and 11th December.
Application deadline: 21st October 2026 – please apply early as deadlines are subject to change
Based on current immigration guidelines this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship
Due to the length of the programme being 3 months maximum you will be engaged on a fixed term contract.
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