At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in civil engineering while supporting the maintenance of historic waterways.
- Company: Join one of the UK's biggest charities dedicated to caring for canals and rivers.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £22,095, competitive pension, increasing holiday entitlement, and employee benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working options available and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for future generations while working outdoors and learning practical skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for hands-on work and problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 22095 - 22095 £ per year.
About the Trust
We’re one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We’re looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
Join Our Team:
Engineering Technician Apprentice
Start Date: October 2026
Apprenticeship Programme: Formal apprenticeship training will commence in February 2027, when the next learner cohort begins. Prior to this, you’ll gain valuable experience through shadowing, on-the-job learning, and practical workplace development.
Typical Duration: 36 months
This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. You’ll be based at our Leighton Buzzard depot and travel across the East Midlands region, with occasional support in other areas.
Role Overview
As a Civil Engineering Apprentice, you'll combine practical workplace experience with formal training, developing the skills and knowledge needed to support the maintenance and improvement of the Trust's historic waterways. Working alongside experienced engineers, you’ll gain hands‑on experience through site visits, inspections, project work and placements, while building expertise in civil engineering, asset management and infrastructure projects. No two days are the same, with opportunities to work across our network and contribute to projects that help keep our canals open and alive.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete all apprenticeship training and coursework, working towards successful achievement of the qualification.
- Develop knowledge and practical skills in civil engineering, asset management and waterway infrastructure.
- Support engineers with inspections, surveys and assessments of canals, locks, bridges and other assets.
- Assist with the collection and maintenance of engineering data to support maintenance and investment decisions.
- Gain experience in engineering design, project delivery and asset management through placements, site visits and project work.
- Follow health, safety and environmental procedures at all times, both on site and in the office.
- Build positive working relationships with colleagues, contractors and other stakeholders.
- Take ownership of personal development, seeking feedback and continuously developing technical knowledge and skills.
- Demonstrate the Trust's values and behaviours, contributing positively to the team and wider organisation.
The Canal & River Trust is committed to supporting apprentices to become experts in their field, offering structured development pathways and long-term career prospects.
About You
You don’t need any prior experience - we’ll teach you everything you need. What matters is you have a genuine interest in practical, hands‑on work. You love to understand how things work and have a passion for all things mechanical and electrical. You enjoy solving problems and feel comfortable working outside in all weathers. Ideally, you have grade A-C or grade 9-4 in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on track.
What We Offer
We offer a starting annual salary of £22,095. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Our values
We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community. We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes. All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception – are made by our hiring managers.
Apprentice Civil Engineering Technician in Leighton Buzzard employer: Canal & River Trust
At Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and teamwork. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, while our commitment to flexible working arrangements ensures a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the UK's canal network, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will help shape the future of our vital infrastructure.
