Apprentice Civil Operative

M Group Water; Colchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in the water supply sector as a Groundworker. This 18-month program offers practical training and a qualification, focusing on health and safety while developing essential skills. Enjoy a supportive environment with numerous benefits including a pension scheme and healthcare cash plan.

Benefits

Matched or contributory pension scheme

24/7 online GP service

Employee assistance program

Retail discounts via My Rewards portal

Life assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, and adoption

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program.
• Valid UK driving license required.
• Interest in outdoor work and manual labor.

Responsibilities

• Learn techniques and practices to ensure work aligns with the program.
• Interpret utility plans and follow safety procedures.
• Champion health and safety standards to ensure a safe working environment.

Skills

Effective communication

Manual dexterity

Enthusiasm for learning

Education

Achieved grades 4-9 in English and Maths

Job description

Job Description

Right across infrastructure, there’s a requirement to not only maintain, but also renew and reimagine. Whatever stage you’re at in your career, with us you’ll have an opportunity to grow and develop. We deliver essential infrastructure services for life, prioritizing safety, client and customer satisfaction, and fostering a friendly, fun, and respectful environment where you are encouraged to thrive.

Where will you be working?

We help our clients safeguard the water supply, improve environmental performance, and manage demand for future generations. Our team enhances and extends asset life, ensuring compliance with water quality and environmental standards. With over 140 years of combined experience, we are problem solvers in engineering and infrastructure.

This role will be within our MEICA and capital maintenance team. Our Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control & Automation (MEICA) experts provide a comprehensive solution, including ongoing operation and maintenance services.

The role supports our IOS Framework for Anglian Water, focusing on operations and remedial works across Essex, Suffolk, and Cambridge areas.

What will you be doing?

This 18-month program will develop your practical, technical, and soft skills, with Health & Safety at the core. Upon successful completion, you will earn a Groundworker Level 2 qualification and a permanent career with M Group Water.

• Learn techniques and practices to ensure work aligns with the program of work
• Interpret utility plans and follow safety procedures
• Understand and complete method statements and risk assessments
• Identify risks and hazards; report near misses according to safety policies
• Use and maintain power tools and equipment
• Select and use basic setting out equipment under supervision
• Install and remove safety arrangements and temporary protections
• Measure, mark, cut, and install geo-membranes for soil stabilization
• Form and reinstate excavations and surfaces to required standards
• Transport, place, and finish concrete, including reinforcement and kerb placement
• Champion health and safety standards to ensure a safe working environment

What you’ll bring

• Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
• Valid UK driving license
• Right to work in the UK
• Achieved grades 4-9 in English and Maths or willing to undertake Functional Skills
• Able to travel daily and attend training sessions
• Interest in outdoor work and manual labor
• Manual dexterity and ability to use hand tools
• Physically fit to perform manual tasks in various weather conditions
• Effective communication skills
• Enthusiastic about learning and career development
• Passionate about the industry, hardworking, reliable, and punctual
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude

What’s in it for you?

We offer benefits such as:

• Matched or contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 online GP service
• Employee assistance program
• Retail discounts via My Rewards portal
• Life assurance
• Cycle to work, salary sacrifice, and give as you earn schemes
• Enhanced leave for maternity, paternity, and adoption
• Reward and recognition programs

Additional benefits include:

• Starting with 21 days plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Health Care Cash Plan for medical expenses
• Personal Accident Cover

About us

We aim to be an employer of choice, supporting diverse talent and making a difference. We actively support and recruit army veterans. Our inclusion networks foster a sense of belonging. Our values—responsibility, openness, teamwork, and ambition—guide our culture and work ethic.

We provide industry-recognized training and development programs for all career stages. Join us at an exciting time to be part of M Group.

Please note: Job adverts may close early; apply promptly. Successful candidates may undergo background checks and drug/alcohol testing where applicable.

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