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- Tasks: Join our team to repair and maintain essential water networks while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Affinity Water, a leader in the water industry with a commitment to community and sustainability.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £20,827, flexible allowances, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with mentorship and real-world opportunities in a vital public service.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and a passion for learning; GCSEs preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel, teamwork, and a focus on environmental impact.
The predicted salary is between 20827 - 20827 £ per year.
Affinity Water is offering a fantastic career opportunity to join our skilled frontline teams as an Apprentice Network Operative. Whether you’re leaving school or college, looking to upskill in your career, or seeking a complete career change, Affinity Water will give you the help and support you need to succeed.
As an apprentice, you’ll join a recognised water industry training programme, carefully tailored to your development and delivered by leading industry experts. You’ll be working in a real team alongside people with years of solid experience, who will give you day-to-day support and mentorship, helping you to learn the tools and techniques you need to build a rewarding career in the water industry.
About our Network Operatives
Our Network Operatives are responsible for the repair and maintenance of our water distribution networks, helping to ensure we provide high quality drinking water to our customers. They are responsible for providing a wide range of essential repair and maintenance work, including the laying of new mains and connections as required, ensuring there is minimal disruption to our customer’s water supply. This is a varied, field-based role, with travel to different areas to support and deliver on planned and emergency works. The role will include working with construction equipment such as mini diggers and vibrating equipment, operating street works, excavation and reinstatement in the highway and a range of other highly skilled activities.
About the Programme
As an Apprentice Network Operative, you will work with Affinity Water and our approved training provider to meet the key responsibilities of your programme and the wider duties of your role. This is an exciting chance to kickstart your career and we will support you every step of the way through a range of activities and real-world opportunities. These include:
- Attending workshops, virtual learning sessions and coaching sessions as planned
- Completing a variety of learning activities, assignments and exams
- Taking part in additional ‘off the job’ learning activities to support your growth
- Receiving regular progress reviews with your manager and training provider
- Undertaking an end-point-assessment at the end of your apprenticeship to confirm your achievement
- Sharing feedback and helping to shape our future careers schemes
- Accessing additional eLearning and self-driven learning offerings for further growth
- Receiving mentorship from experienced industry teams
- Shadowing all aspects of our network operations and getting involved as you progress
- Developing knowledge of our vital water networks
- Working across a variety of locations
- Developing first-class customer service skills and learning what it takes to be at the front line of an essential public service
- Working collaboratively with a variety of colleagues from across the Business
- Working at both indoor and outdoor locations which involves working in a variety of weather conditions.
Requirements
- Full UK Clean/Manual UK Driving Licence
- 3 GCSEs with a grade 4 (C) or above (Desirable)
- Ability to perform manual handling activities safely and competently.
- Over time this role will build to include the use of a variety of construction equipment.
- Able and willing to work with vibration equipment (for which you will be trained) within the 400 limits without health restrictions
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Competent in use of IT applications
- Keen interest in the environment and water industry
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Willingness to help people and support local communities
- Strong desire for career progression and passion for continual learning
Pay and Benefits
- A starting salary of £20,827 with an additional flex allowance of £4,884
- Salary reviews at key programme milestones with the potential to earn £36,639 when fully trained and qualified and having successfully achieved all targets
- An additional standby allowance of £7,878 once all programme elements are completed and you are signed off to work as an independent Network Operative
- Learning and development opportunities, including mentoring and a range of formal courses and open learning resources.
- Entry into the company annual bonus scheme.
- Annual leave from 23 days rising with length of service, and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days.
- A ‘Celebration Day’ in addition to public holidays that people can use to celebrate a religious festival or other occasion that is important to them.
- A generous 'double match pension scheme' that doubles the contributions you make (company contribution capped at 12%)
- We offer a range of family benefits including enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support Leave and up to 5 full or 10 half days of paid Carers Leave.
- Menopause policy and Reasonable Adjustment policy to help everyone perform at their best.
- Access to our Wellbeing Centre with support for looking after your physical and mental health.
- Discounts at a Range of Retail Outlets and on Dental and Medical Insurance through our Tap4Perks scheme.
Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to offering interviews to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria and opt in on the application form. Affinity Water recognises the benefits of greater diversity in our workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We are committed to building a more inclusive culture where every member of our workforce can thrive.
You can find out what it’s like to work at Affinity Water through our career site here where our colleagues share their career development stories and you can get a feel for our company culture.
Apprentice Network Operative - Folkestone employer: Affinity Water
Contact Detail:
Affinity Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Network Operative - Folkestone
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Affinity Water. Understand their values, mission, and what they do in the water industry. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and improve your confidence when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for the role and the water industry shine through. Talk about why you want to be an Apprentice Network Operative and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Network Operative - Folkestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and the water industry.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Apprentice Network Operative role. Mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your interest in the environment and teamwork.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your written application is clear and concise. Use proper grammar and spelling, and structure your thoughts logically to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you can explore more about our company culture and values while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinity Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Apprentice Network Operative. Familiarise yourself with the water industry, the importance of maintaining water distribution networks, and the types of equipment you'll be using. This knowledge will show your enthusiasm and readiness to learn.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your experiences in teamwork. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others, whether in school projects or part-time jobs. Highlight your communication skills and willingness to support your colleagues.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme, the training you'll receive, and the day-to-day responsibilities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way. Be honest about your motivations for applying and your eagerness to learn. Employers appreciate candidates who are genuine and passionate about their career path, so let your personality shine through during the interview!