OT Systems Engineering Apprentice

Portsmouth-Water; Havant; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays 25 days

Pension up to 15%

Non-contractual bonus up to 6%

Enhanced family leave

Life assurance 4x salary

Wellbeing support

PW Perks discounts

Job summary

Portsmouth Water is offering an Operational Technology (OT) Systems Engineering Apprenticeship. You will gain hands-on engineering experience managing automation systems, with a view toward achieving a Level 4 Automation & Controls Engineering Technician qualification.

The role starts September 2027, with training at CEMAST Gosport. You’ll commute to Gosport and Havant; the programme lasts 48–51 months and requires BPSS clearance. Flexible working options may be discussed at interview.

Qualifications

• Must have Level 3 Technical Certificate in Engineering and GCSE English/Maths (4/C or above).
• Full manual UK driving licence or working towards it to enable site work.
• Eligible for BPSS baseline checks and security vetting (CTC/SC).
• Willing to commute to Gosport and Havant for site work.

Responsibilities

• Learn to install, maintain, support and optimise hardware and programs for Industrial Automation and Control Systems.
• Work across PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Develop or modify automation/control system programs using various tools and languages.
• Support integration of electrical/electronic safety devices within automation and control systems.
• Install and maintain devices across industrial networks, including configuration.
• Provide fault escalation support to first-line service personnel for operation restoration.
• Supervise installation of automation equipment and industrial networks.

Skills

Problem solving

Hands-on engineering

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Level 3 Technical Certificate in Engineering

GCSE English & Maths 4/C

Tools

SCADA systems

HMI

Industrial networks

Job description

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

Do you have a Level 3 Technical Certificate in an Engineering discipline and want to learn more? Join Portsmouth Water as an Operational Technology (OT) Systems Engineering Apprentice.
These roles offer a fantastic opportunity for anyone eager to try something new, build their knowledge, and develop practical skills. You’ll gain hands‑on engineering experience managing the technology that monitors and controls our water systems.
If you're curious, enjoy problem‑solving, and want to make a real impact, you'll help keep our systems running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll also work towards a Level 4 Automation & Controls Engineering Technician qualification, opening the door to a long‑term career.
Start date: You can start your employment with us now, ahead of the apprenticeship programme beginning in September 2027.
Training location: You’ll train with South Hampshire College Group at their CEMAST facility in Gosport. You must therefore be able to commute to both Gosport (PO13) and Havant (PO9). The apprenticeship will start in September 2027 and will require you to attend CEMAST 1 day per week.
Duration: Fixed term contract with a 48-51 month structured apprenticeship programme.
What you’ll need: You must have already obtained a Level 3 Technical Certificate in an Engineering discipline, and GCSE English and Maths grade 4/C or above (or Level 2 functional skills) are preferred. You must have a full manual UK driving licence or be working towards to achieving it to enable working at our water treatment sites. You must be capable of obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance.

What will you be doing?

• You'll learn to install, maintain, support and optimise hardware and develop the programs that make up Industrial Automation and Control Systems.

• You'll work across a range of hardware such as programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, and industrial networks.

• This apprenticeship standard covers the core skills, knowledge and behaviours to demonstrate competency of an Automation & Controls Engineer and covers key requirements to include:

• Develop or modify automation and control system programs using a variety of different programming tools, languages and techniques.

• Support and maintain the integration of electrical/electronic safety devices within an automation & control system.

• Install, support and maintain devices linked to and across industrial networking infrastructures including configuration and programming.

• Provide effective fault escalation support to first line service personnel that lead to successful return to operation of automation and control systems.

• Supervise, manage, or oversee activities such as installation of automation and control equipment and industrial networks.

If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks that will include a basic disclosure check. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the national security vetting process for either a CTC or SC clearance check. Any offer of employment is conditional upon completion and receipt of satisfactory checks.

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications — so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.

Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Due to the high volume of applications we may receive we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

At Portsmouth Water, we believe in rewarding our people. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting for you when you join the team:

Holidays Made Better
Enjoy25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.

A Pension That Works for You
We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% – because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.

Performance Pays Off
You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance – because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.

Family Comes First
Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.

Social Events

All expenses covered summer and winter social events

Peace of Mind, Always
Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.

Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.

PW Perks – Treat Yourself!
Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like:

• Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year)

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Health Cash Plan
  …and so much more!