Modern Apprenticeship 2025 – Water Network Operations (North Ayrshire)

Scottish Water; Greenock; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Modern Apprentice in Water Network Operations. This hands-on role offers the chance to learn vital skills while earning a competitive salary. You'll tackle real-world challenges, from burst pipes to valve shut-offs, all while contributing to the delivery of clean water across Scotland. With dedicated training and support, you'll gain industry-recognized qualifications and the opportunity for career advancement within a friendly and inclusive team. Embrace this unique opportunity to make a difference in your community and build a rewarding career in the water sector.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Pension scheme

Support for obtaining driving license

Friendly team environment

Qualifications

• Must be at least 17 years old by 1 August 2025.
• Responsible attitude towards learning and work.
• Driving license is useful for remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Gather important data and solve customer queries.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Problem-solving

Data collection

Health and safety compliance

Education

National 4 or 5s (or equivalent)

Tools

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Water sampling tools

Job description

Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.

Ready to own your future? At Scottish Water, our Modern Apprenticeships aren’t about just sitting in classrooms all day. They’re designed to get you out there, hands-on, learning real skills from the start. You’ll earn while you learn, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and build a career that actually matters.

Fresh out of school? Ready for a career switch? Whatever your story, we’ve got opportunities that challenge you, support you, and help you grow.

Join our Water Network Operations team in North Ayrshire from August 2025.

What does a Water Network Operations Modern Apprentice do?

As a Water Network Operations Modern Apprentice, you’ll dive straight into the action, tackling everything from burst pipes to valve shut-offs, all while learning how our water network works behind the scenes. You’ll work alongside experts, getting hands-on experience with maintaining pumping stations, keeping the water flowing, and fixing problems as they arise.

No two days will be the same. You’ll help gather important data, solve customer queries, and contribute to keeping the network running smoothly. As you progress, you’ll take on more responsibility—helping to manage on-site tasks, ensuring safety and compliance, and making sure communities always have access to clean, reliable water.

Safety is our priority. You’ll be fully equipped with PPE and trained to carry out risk assessments. Over time, you'll learn how to ensure compliance with regulations, including sampling on mains, bursts, and customer complaints.

This is your chance to learn, grow, and play a key role in delivering safe, fresh water to communities across Scotland—while helping us set high standards.

Your Journey with Us

Modern Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with the opportunity to complete professional qualifications. Supported by our in-house Skills Academy team, each apprentice has a line manager and a personal assessor to support their training and ensure high standards.

Over four years, you’ll receive dedicated training to become a fully qualified Network Service Operator, gaining skills and confidence to make a real impact.

• How to maintain and repair water and wastewater infrastructure
• How to monitor and inspect key network assets
• How to identify and respond to network faults
• How to collect and record data on network performance
• How to use tools and technology to track and report on network operations
• How to work safely and promote health and safety

A significant part of your time will be outdoors. But in Scotland, there’s no such thing as bad weather—just inappropriate clothing. We’ll ensure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.

You’ll be part of an experienced team that will support your development and help you succeed. This is your chance to earn as you learn, working with industry leaders to deliver essential services.

Once you reach a certain stage in your training, you’ll join our Out-of-Hours rota, which may require occasional work outside normal hours. You’ll earn extra pay for this, whether called in or not.

What’s in it for you?

We’ll challenge and support you to develop your skills through excellent training and support. You’ll qualify with a Water Industry SVQ at SCQF Level 5/6. From your second year, you can opt to pursue an HNC in Water Operations, supported by our Skills Academy trainers and assessors.

Earn as you learn. Starting salary is £22,072, with scheduled increases at key milestones. You’ll also be eligible for an annual bonus and a pension scheme.

Job security. Many apprentices choose to stay with us after completing their training, with some spending their entire careers here. Opportunities for advancement include team leadership, management, or technical specialist roles.

You’ll be providing a vital service to Scotland and your local community, helping protect our environment.

And you’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team that values your success and makes work enjoyable.

What you’ll need

• You must be at least 17 years old by 1 August 2025.
• A responsible attitude towards learning and work.
• Ideally, five National 4 or 5s (or equivalent), including English, Maths, and Science, though these are not essential.
• A driving license is useful, especially for remote locations. We can support you in obtaining your license during your first year if needed.

A note to women considering an apprenticeship

We’re proud to see more women joining our programmes, but we’re committed to increasing diversity. Apprenticeships are for anyone curious, driven, and eager to learn. Our inclusive environment supports your growth and success.

The small print

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 18 May 2025. There will be online assessments in late May/early June, with interviews in June. We aim to start all apprenticeships on 11 August.

For more information, visit our website: www.scottishwater.co.uk/apprentice

Start your career in Scotland’s Water Sector

Explore roles across Scotland’s water industry that make a real difference. Visit www.watercareers.scot for more info.

A few final notes

If you don’t meet all criteria, don’t hesitate to apply—everyone learns and grows. We’re committed to accessibility and support for all applicants, including those with disabilities or facing temporary challenges. All Scottish employees must reside in Scotland or commit to moving there within three months. Your data will be automatically deleted if you haven’t applied in the last 12 months.

Questions? Contact us at [e-mail].