Apprentice Water Network Operative

Avove Limited; England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility infrastructure company is seeking an Apprentice Water Network Operative in the United Kingdom. This hands-on role involves building, maintaining, and repairing water network infrastructure while learning from experienced colleagues. Successful candidates will demonstrate good communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to work in a team. The position offers a clear career path with numerous benefits, including paid driving lessons and a robust pension scheme.

Benefits

24 days holiday plus bank holidays

Apprentice bonus scheme

Paid driving lessons for eligible apprentices

Company pension scheme

Qualifications

• Must possess GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or higher.
• Demonstrate good communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn and work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out on-site construction and maintenance tasks.
• Support the team in executing daily tasks under direction.
• Identify and implement safety measures in compliance with regulations.

Skills

Good communication

Problem-solving

Logical thinking

Team-working ability

Physical fitness

Education

GCSE English (grade 4/C or higher)

GCSE Maths (grade 4/C or higher)

Job description

An Apprentice Water Network Operative role is all about learning how to build, maintain, and repair water network infrastructure. You'll be hands‑on with the tasks needed on‑site, working as part of a team. You'll learn by doing, supported by experienced colleagues and guided by your team leader or site manager.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out on‑site construction, maintenance, and repair of clean and waste water assets.
• Support the team by executing daily site tasks under the direction of the team leader.
• Apply health & safety, quality and environmental policies and follow the “Work Together, Safe Together” approach.
• Use cadmium‑safety, gas‑detection, and other equipment responsibly while working toward the required certifications.
• Communicate verbally with customers, colleagues and managers and record tasks in written job sheets.
• Maintain and store equipment – charge batteries, clean, grease and refuel when needed.
• Identify hazards, implement control measures and ensure compliance with Streetworks regulations and underground utility protection.
• Conduct safe excavation, shoring and deep‑excavation procedures and monitor site conditions (housekeeping).
• Apply standard operation procedures, SOPs and use IT/digital systems in compliance with GDPR and cyber‑security standards.
• Carry out learning & development activities and organise/prioritise own work.
• Use continuous‑supply, pumping and mitigation methods to keep the network operating safely.
• Follow hygiene procedures, PPE usage and company health‑and‑safety policies.
• Join, cut, drill, sputter and drill clean‑water assets using fusion or mechanical means.
• Install, replace, or repair clean and waste‑water assets and conduct disinfection or other commissioning tasks.
• Identify, diagnose and resolve common network issues; report performance problems when necessary.
• Support no‑dig work and erosion control work.
• Apply equity, diversity and inclusion principles and collaborate within a team‑working culture.

Qualifications

• GCSE English (grade 4/C or higher) and Maths (grade 4/C or higher).
• Good communication, organisation, problem‑solving, logical thinking and patience.
• Team‑working ability and willingness to learn.
• Physical fitness and capacity to work on‑site.
• Any other relevant qualifications or industry experience will be considered.

Benefits

• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Apprentice bonus scheme.
• Paid driving lessons for eligible apprentices.
• Company pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Selection of lifestyle benefit options.

Career Path

• Fully qualified operative.
• Team leader.
• Site supervisor/manager.

At Avove, we design, build, and maintain the UK’s utilities infrastructure – keeping water flowing, lights on, and people connected. We deliver sustainable engineering solutions in partnership with leading utility providers such as Severn Trent, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Scottish Power and Northern Ireland Water. We are proud to be an agile, responsible partner dedicated to improving communities and protecting the environment.