At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in maintaining and repairing mechanical and electrical structures across beautiful waterways.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving England and Wales' waterways.
- Benefits: Earn £22,095, gain hands-on experience, and receive training with travel costs covered.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career progression after your apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while learning valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science preferred; enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Anderton Boat Lift, CW9 6FW.
Who are we?
We are the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. It takes an extraordinary team to bring our waterways to life and that’s where you come in.
As part of our commitment to the long-term maintenance and restoration of the waterways, we are looking to recruit Mechanical & Electrical Apprentices. Join us and you’ll be caring for your environment as well as your community, helping make life better by water for everyone. Every day.
About the role
You will be assisting the local M&E team with the delivery of maintenance and repair works to mechanical & electrical structures, plant and equipment to protect and enhance the reputation of the network as a valued national asset. This will include carrying out reactive repairs, planned preventative maintenance, general works programme, and projects, including working on a wide range of assets such as bridges, locks, pump stations & construction sites.
- Comply with Canal & River Trust’s Health & Safety policy and defined standards, report incidents, accidents and near misses.
- Assist with point of work risk assessments and make adjustments to work methods where appropriate.
- Working outside, ensure that the customer experience is maximised by providing outstanding levels of customer service in accordance with defined standards.
- Promote Canal & River Trust by maintaining a professional approach at all times.
- Assist in the planning and preparation of all specific related tasks in terms of mechanical and electrical equipment, materials and plant resources.
- Assist the M&E team to ensure all mechanical and electrical equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc) are appropriate for the task.
- Support mechanical and electrical asset inspections. Identify and report any damage or incidents to M&E Supervisor or Engineers for inputting into SAP.
- Assist M&E Team to undertake key duties associated with the mechanical and electrical maintenance of the waterways.
- Ensuring that inclusion and diversity are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust.
- Displaying the Trust values and behaviours always.
About the Apprenticeship
Our apprentices complete a Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship. As a Trust apprentice, you will complete your apprenticeship training both on and off-the-job, including regular attendance at our chosen training provider. All college related travel costs are paid for by the Trust. Whilst on-the-job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience. We regularly arrange placements for you to build your portfolio, as well as opportunities to work on projects. This involves working across our network, so you may be working away from home. No two days are the same!
After the Apprenticeship
We are fully committed to support all of our apprentices during their training. We truly value their contribution to the Trust and plan our recruitment to match progression opportunities. Once the apprenticeship is completed and your work on site is to a satisfactory level, we aim to offer ongoing employment opportunities with us.
What skills and abilities do I need to have?
We look for candidates who live and breathe our values; Caring, Open, Local, Inclusive and Excellence and have a willingness to learn, enthusiasm and dedication. We are looking for potential.
- You should have an interest in fixing rather than throwing away and be someone who is not scared to take things apart and figure out how it works, with a view of putting it back together again (working where possible!).
- Experience of using hand tools ranging from spanners and sockets, to drills and power tools is desirable (but don’t worry if you don’t have this!).
- An understanding of basic electrical and mechanical principles taught at GCSE Physics would be advantageous, for example: electromagnets, current flow, ohms law, mechanisms, force, mass etc. (Again, don’t worry if you aren’t super familiar with this).
What qualifications do I need to have?
- Ideally grade A-C or grade 9-4 in Maths, English and Science GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on target to achieve.
- A driving license or the willingness to achieve one within 12 months of starting (Driving is a mandatory part of our roles due to the breadth of our network).
What qualifications or experience would potentially help me more?
- An interest or connection to the waterways network.
- Grade A-C (or equivalent) in Physics would demonstrate a basic understanding of electrical and mechanical principles.
- Any other Mechanical and/or Electrical Experience, potentially through hobbies, work experience or volunteering.
Inclusive and supportive employer
At the Trust we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community. All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job. Our aim is, at all times, to care for our people, and earn the confidence, trust and advocacy of our customers, partners, and those in the communities in which we work. We pride ourselves on, and are committed to, a workplace that reflects our values, embraces diversity, and enhances our reputation as a responsible and trusted custodian of the waterways in our care.
How do I apply?
Please click to apply and complete the application form fully - there is no need to submit a CV. It is very important that you make use of the Personal Statement section of our application form and tell us all about your motivations & interest, any transferable experience and why you want to come and work for the Canal & River Trust.
What we offer
In addition to our competitive apprenticeship wage, we can offer:
- High quality qualifications including training on top of the apprenticeship.
- Fantastic experience with hands-on training giving you a real chance to put your skills into practice and helping you to gain more confidence in a supportive working environment.
- Opportunities to take part in exciting projects around England and Wales.
- The chance to meet other apprentices, making friends for life.
- Disability Confident and Time to Change (mental health support).
When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to preserve our heritage for future generations. Come and share your passion and knowledge with a team that makes a difference to millions of people every day.
Mechanical & Electrical Technician Apprentice 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical & Electrical Technician Apprentice
✨Get Hands-On in the Field
Mechanical engineering is all about practical skills, so dive into local workshops or maker spaces. Attending hands-on events can help you network with professionals who might know about apprenticeship opportunities at companies like Canal & River Trust.
✨Utilise Engineering Competitions
Join engineering competitions or clubs at your university or in your community. These not only look great on your CV but can also connect you with companies looking to recruit apprentices, including Canal & River Trust.
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're currently studying, make sure to hit up your university's career services. They often have connections with firms like Canal & River Trust who are on the lookout for eager apprentices. Take full advantage of their resources!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects you've worked on, whether for school or personal interest. A well-curated portfolio can impress potential employers like Canal & River Trust when you're stepping into the apprenticeship scene.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical & Electrical Technician Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:When applying for a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, highlight any relevant skills or hands-on experience you've got. If you've worked on projects related to design, CAD software, or any hands-on mechanical work, make sure to include that to show you're ready for the practical side of things!
Dive into Your Education:Apprenticeships value your learning potential, so don’t forget to mention your academic achievements, specifically in STEM subjects. Talk about any courses or certifications related to mechanical engineering you've taken and how they inspire you to grow in this field.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:This isn’t just any application—you want to grab attention! In your cover letter, weave in your passion for mechanical engineering. Share why you’re excited about potentially working with Canal & River Trust and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Teamwork & Problem-Solving:Mechanical engineering is all about collaboration and critical thinking. Include examples in your CV or cover letter where you’ve tackled a problem as a team, or solved a challenge in a project. This shows recruiters at Canal & River Trust that you're ready to contribute positively from day one.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
As this is an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, make sure you highlight any hands-on experience you have. Bring along examples of projects or tasks you've done, whether it's in school or outside. If you've got a portfolio of work or even some photos of your projects, that can really set you apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Brush up on the specific tools and techniques commonly used in mechanical engineering. Be prepared to discuss software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or simulation tools, as these might come up during technical questions. Understanding of basic engineering principles will also give you a solid foundation to impress your interviewers at Canal & River Trust.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job. So, be ready to articulate why you want to pursue this path at Canal & River Trust. Share any relevant coursework or experiences that piqued your interest in mechanical engineering, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Practice Problem-Solving on the Spot
You may face some situational or problem-solving questions during your interview, especially practical ones that mimic real-world engineering challenges. Practise how you'd approach such problems – think through your reasoning and how you would apply your knowledge practically. This shows you can think on your feet, which is key in mechanical engineering!
