Former Manchester apprentice recognised for his contribution to apprenticeships

Phil White, 37, is Head of Learning and Development at the North West’s only FTSE100 company United Utilities.

This week Phil is heading to London after being nominated for his outstanding contribution to apprenticeships.

What makes Phil story more remarkable is that he started his career off at United Utilities as an apprentice Mechanical Engineer.

“It was 1997, I’d finished school and I didn’t want to follow the university route, which back then felt like the only option with the information available.

“Thankfully I went against the grain and secured an apprenticeship with United Utilities, which at the time I (and my dad) felt would provide stability and career growth and we were proved right,” said Phil.

Since finishing his apprenticeship, Phil has completed a HND in Mechanical Engineering, a Graduate Certificate in Management and a Master of Business Administration degree.

Phil is dedicated to helping others progress up the career ladder through the apprenticeship route and this commitment has seen him be shortlisted as a finalist in the inaugural ACC apprentice awards for his outstanding contribution for the development of apprenticeships. The winners will be revealed at the celebration of excellence of apprentice delivery in Birmingham on March, 22.

Phil added: “The best part of my job now is being able to use my experience and the skills I’ve been fortunate enough to pick up and achieve with the support of my employer to help our new apprentices starting off as I did get the most out of their apprenticeship.”

United Utilities is currently searching for 27 new apprentices to join its award-winning scheme. Information about the apprenticeship programme and the opportunities available can be found on the company website.