FOUR lucky lads are making a splash in the water industry after landing a place on one of the region’s most sought-after training schemes.

Connor Gavin, aged 19, from Hale village, Ben Thompson, aged 17, from Runcorn, Benjamin Read from Frodsham and Christopher McEvoy, aged 29, from Liverpool beat thousands of hopefuls to join United Utilities as apprentices.

The water company has opened its doors to 31 new apprentices and 23 graduates who are starting careers in IT, finance, science and engineering.

Chris, aged 27, and Connor, 19, chose apprenticeships in IT, Ben selected an apprenticeship as a monitoring, control and automation technician and Benjamin opted to be an apprentice field service engineer.

They’ll join United Utilities’ army of 5,000 staff keeping the taps flowing and toilets flushing for seven million people in the north west.

Ben Thompson, of The Heath, was attracted by the quality of the qualifications on offer, United Utilities’ reputation and job security.

He said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with experienced engineers and working on site.”

Connor said: “The facilities provide ample opportunities for me to progress. I am extremely proud and feel rewarded to be working here.”

United Utilities was highly-commended as an apprentice employer in the regional heats of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2013.

Managing Director Steve Fraser said United Utilities said: “We had thousands of applicants and conducted hundreds of interviews. I’m incredibly proud of all of our apprentices and they have a vital role to play in the future success of United Utilities.”