UNITED Utilities is eager to increase the number of women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds in its workforce.

The water firm has launched its annual search for apprentices and is due to recruit 28 new members of staff.

Head of HR Elaine Billington said: “Our apprentices are top-notch, but if we want to meet our aspiration of being a more diverse workforce with a broader level of skills we need to entice more people through the application process – not just women but people from all walks of life, abilities and ethnicities,” she said.

The deadline for applications to the United Utilities apprenticeship scheme is March 9.

And all of the forms must be submitted online via www.unitedutilities.com/apprenticeships.