At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in managing water and wastewater technology.
- Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Permanent contract with a structured 36-month training programme.
- Why this job: Kick-start your engineering career with real impact on communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English (grades 9–4 / A–C) required.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Ready to kick-start your engineering career? Join Thames Water as an Instrumentation, Control, and Automation Apprentice. You’ll gain hands-on experience managing the technology that monitors and controls our water and wastewater systems. You’ll also work towards a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician qualification, opening the door to a long-term career.
Responsibilities
- Learn to carry out planned maintenance, general repairs, and equipment modifications under guidance
- Test, inspect, and troubleshoot systems using condition-based monitoring
- Become fully trained to use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems
- Work with the instruments and technology that monitor and manage Thames Water’s water and wastewater operations across the network
Location and Schedule
- Location: Hogsmill KT1 3BW
- Hours: 38-hour week over four working days plus one training day, with a 7:30 am start
- Start date: Sept 2026
Training and Qualification
- You’ll train with Basingstoke College of Technology through on-campus or online sessions, with travel and accommodation covered in line with our travel expense policy
- Qualification achieved: Engineering Maintenance Technician – Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma in Engineering (single discipline), aligned with IMechE and IET standards for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
- Duration: Permanent contract with a 36-month structured programme
What you should bring to the role
- GCSE Maths and English (grades 9–4 / A–C)
- Good time management and organisational skills
- Able to work well in a team and independently
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent salary: £22,500 annum
- Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON
- Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
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.
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.
Equal Opportunity
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.
Crises and Community
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.
Instrumentation Control and Automation Engineering Level 3 Apprentice in London employer: Best Apprenticeships
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring engineers to kick-start their careers in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will receive hands-on training while working towards a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician qualification, alongside excellent benefits such as a generous pension scheme and performance-related pay. Located in Hogsmill, you will be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of millions, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a commitment to your health and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Instrumentation Control and Automation Engineering Level 3 Apprentice in London
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Best Apprenticeships!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Instrumentation Control and Automation Engineering Level 3 Apprentice position at Best Apprenticeships, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Best Apprenticeships is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Instrumentation Control and Automation Engineering Level 3 Apprentice role at Best Apprenticeships!
We think you need these skills to ace Instrumentation Control and Automation Engineering Level 3 Apprentice in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Best Apprenticeships and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Best Apprenticeships
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Best Apprenticeships.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Best Apprenticeships, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
