Geography students get a taste of green careers on field trip to United Utilities HQ

Friday, 18 July 2025 14:27

By David Murphy

A group of Year 10 pupils from Hollingworth Academy were given hands-on insights into sustainability-focused jobs during a visit to United Utilities’ headquarters in Warrington.

One hundred geography students from Hollingworth Academy in Rochdale took part in an immersive 'green careers in action' day hosted by water firm United Utilities.

The visit, organised in partnership with the charity Business in the Community, aimed to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental jobs. The pupils were introduced to a wide range of roles at the company and met with employees from across departments who shared their personal career journeys and tips for the future.

The day included a speed networking session, where students were able to ask questions directly to staff and witness practical demonstrations such as river water sampling by the firm’s River Rangers and leak detection technology used on the network.

United Utilities, which manages water and wastewater services across the North West, also used the event to showcase its environmental commitments. Students were introduced to the company’s sustainability strategies, digital innovation tools, and the importance of careers in protecting the environment. A highlight of the day included a tour of a fully electric heavy goods vehicle, led by tanker driver Chris Lockett.

Cate Calveley, careers leader at Hollingworth Academy, said: “These kinds of encounters don’t just raise aspirations, they deepen understanding and bring the curriculum to life in meaningful, memorable ways.”

Chris Minogue from Business in the Community added: “There was so much positive conversation about the event from the students and teachers. It was a meaningful visit.”

Shy Bayly, United Utilities’ Area Engagement Lead for Greater Manchester and a member of the Rochdale Business in the Community Board, said she was proud to host the students.

“It was brilliant to raise awareness of the diverse work we do to enhance and protect the environment at UU. Hopefully we’ve encouraged some talented young people to consider a career with us in the future,” she said.

The visit is part of a wider push across Greater Manchester to inspire pupils to pursue jobs in the green sector, which is forecast to grow significantly over the next decade. With sustainability now a key part of the geography curriculum, educators are increasingly seeking partnerships with local employers to offer students real-world context for their learning.