UNITED Utilities is looking to recruit 62 new apprentices across the region.

The company says young people in apprenticeships are bearing the brunt of the economic crisis triggered by Covid-19 - with many furloughed or thrown off their schemes.

To address this, the firm which employs 5,000 people from Carlisle to Crewe – has relaunched its annual search for new talented scientific, technical and customer services recruits.

Louse Higgins, head of HR and training, said: “We wanted to relaunch our application window as apprenticeship opportunities have seen a steep fall due to the pandemic.

"Now more than ever we want to hear from people who traditionally might not have considered a job with their local water company.

“We offer an award-winning apprenticeship scheme with many interesting roles and we are a company with no barriers when it comes to getting to the very top."

For the first time it will be taking on 20 apprentices dedicated to tackling leaks.

For information go online: www.unitedutilities.com/apprenticeships