Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice

Thames Water; Epsom; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water company in the UK is seeking a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice to work on-site, gaining experience in building and maintaining water pipes and networks. The role offers a permanent contract with a structured training program that leads to a Level 2 Water Network Operative qualification. Ideal for individuals looking to develop skills in water network operations and make a tangible impact in their communities.

Benefits

Competitive salary of £22,500 per annum

24 days annual leave, increasing to 28

Generous Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Must be aged 18 or above.
• Comfortable working outdoors in different weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience with water maintenance.
• Track and repair leaks and bursts.
• Operate diggers and powered equipment.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to work outdoors

Education

Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1–3

Job description

Overview

Ready to get hands-on and make a real impact? As a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice, you’ll work on-site, learning to build, fix, and maintain the pipes and networks that keep homes and businesses supplied with clean water. You’ll gain experience in both planned upgrades and emergency response, all while working towards a Level 2 Water Network Operative qualification and building a long-term career with progression opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience with the water team while being fully supported throughout your apprenticeship
• Track and repair leaks and bursts; replace valves, hydrants, and stop taps; clear blockages; install and maintain meters and flow devices
• Set up traffic control and safety barriers; ensure digs and reinstatements are safe and tidy
• Operate diggers, tools, and other powered equipment
• Keep accurate job logs and safety records
• Work outdoors in all weather, across streets, homes, and building sites; shifts, standby call-outs, and physically demanding tasks, sometimes in tight spaces
• Develop skills in clean-water network operations, safe digging, digital flow monitoring, teamwork, and communication

Where you’ll work

Location: Hogsmill, Epsom KT1 3BW

Hours: 45-hour week over four working days plus one training day, with a 7:30am start

Start date: May 2026

Training and qualification: You’ll study with Watertrain, one of the UK’s leading water training providers, with 2-day block release training each month at a Thames Water site.

Qualification achieved: Water network operative Level 2 standard

Duration: Permanent contract with a 15-18 month structured programme

What you should bring to the role

• Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1–3 (D–G) or above
• Aged 18 or above
• Comfortable with working outdoors in different weather conditions
• Good communication skills

What’s in it for you?

• Excellent salary: £22,500 per annum
• Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Work towards completing Level 2 English and Maths during the programme
• Performance-related pay planned directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to benefits to help you take care of your health, wellbeing, and finances — including annual health MOTs, access to physiotherapy and counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers, and life assurance

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come. Learn more about our purpose and values.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.