Apprentice Civil Engineering Technician

Canal & River Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pension

Increasing holiday entitlement

Employee benefits

Job summary

Canal & River Trust is seeking an Apprentice Engineering Technician to join at the Leighton Buzzard depot, with a 37-hour week across the East Midlands region and occasional travel. The lifelong-career focus is to keep our canals open and alive through practical learning and hands-on work.

The 36-month programme starts October 2026; formal apprenticeship training begins February 2027 when the next learner cohort starts.

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; willing to learn practical, hands-on work.
• GCSE Maths and English at grade A-C / 9-4 or on track.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Complete apprenticeship training and coursework.
• Develop skills in civil engineering, asset management and waterway infrastructure.
• Assist with inspections, surveys and asset assessments of canals and bridges.
• Support data collection to aid maintenance decisions.
• Gain experience in design, project delivery and asset management through placements.
• Follow health, safety and environmental procedures at all times.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Pursue ongoing personal development and knowledge growth.

Skills

Hands-on

Problem solving

Interest in mechanical

Interest in electrical

Education

GCSE Maths & English (A-C/9-4)

Job description

Join Our Team: Engineering Technician Apprentice

• Start Date: October 2026
• Apprenticeship Programme: Formal apprenticeship training will commence in February 2027, when the next learner cohort begins. Prior to this, you’ll gain valuable experience through shadowing, on-the-job learning, and practical workplace development.
• Typical Duration: 36 months

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep your canals open and alive.

As part of our commitment to the long-term maintenance and restoration of the waterways, we are looking to recruit an Apprentice Engineering Technician. Working for the Canal & River Trust, you can take pride in knowing that you are really making a difference each and every day. By joining us, you’ll be caring for your environment as well as your community, helping make life better by water for everyone. Every day.

Working Hours & Location

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. You’ll be based at our Leighton Buzzard depot and travel across the East Midlands region, with occasional support in other areas.

Role Overview

As a Civil Engineering Apprentice, you'll combine practical workplace experience with formal training, developing the skills and knowledge needed to support the maintenance and improvement of the Trust's historic waterways. Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll gain hands‑on experience through site visits, inspections, project work and placements, while building expertise in civil engineering, asset management and infrastructure projects. No two days are the same, with opportunities to work across our network and contribute to projects that help keep our canals open and alive.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete all apprenticeship training and coursework, working towards successful achievement of the qualification.
• Develop knowledge and practical skills in civil engineering, asset management and waterway infrastructure.
• Support engineers with inspections, surveys and assessments of canals, locks, bridges and other assets.
• Assist with the collection and maintenance of engineering data to support maintenance and investment decisions.
• Gain experience in engineering design, project delivery and asset management through placements, site visits and project work.
• Follow health, safety and environmental procedures at all times, both on site and in the office.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues, contractors and other stakeholders.
• Take ownership of personal development, seeking feedback and continuously developing technical knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrate the Trust's values and behaviours, contributing positively to the team and wider organisation.

Training & Development

• You will work towards the Level 4 Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprenticeshipwith one of our expert training providers. Whilst on-the-job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience.
• The Canal & River Trust is committed to supporting apprentices to become experts in their field, offering structured development pathways and long-term career prospects.

About You

• You don’t need any prior experience - we’ll teach you everything you need. What matters is you have a genuine interest in practical, hands‑on work. You love to understand how things work and have a passion for all things mechanical and electrical.
• You enjoy solving problems and feel comfortable working outside in all weathers.
• Ideally, you have grade A-C or grade 9-4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on track.

Apprentice story: Eunilzo was always fascinated by a career in engineering and has a passion for nature and the outdoors which led him to the Mechanical & Engineering Apprenticeship at the Trust. He’s soon coming to the end of his apprenticeship and is moving into a M&E Technician role. See more here: Eunilzo's Story

What We Offer

• We offer a starting annual salary of £22,095.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Increasing holiday entitlement.
• Range of employee benefits.
• For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here:EVP - 1(https://canalrivertrust.pagetiger.com/cqhhihy/1)