Waterway & Environment Operative - Apprentice in Wolverhampton

About the Trust

We are 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 are 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.

Our apprenticeship programmes help preserve essential skills and develop tomorrow’s experts. We welcome new talent with fresh ideas and in return offer real responsibility, structured learning, and long‑term progression. This programme is designed to develop you into a well‑rounded, multiskilled colleague who understands the operational, environmental, and heritage considerations of working along the UK’s waterways.

This role follows an annualised (1931 hours per annum) hours system, including 5 days out of 7 (could be weekends and statutory holidays). You’ll be based at our Minerva Wharf, Wolverhampton, WV1 3DT depot and travel across the West Midlands region, with occasional support in other areas.

Role Overview

As a Trust apprentice, you will be the public face of the Trust, working closely with volunteers and the public. Your work will include a mix of hands‑on maintenance such as lock keeping, vegetation management and minor repairs alongside community‑led improvement projects. You will help to manage teams of volunteers to support the important work we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out outdoor maintenance and repair of canal infrastructure
• Operate locks, bridges, and other waterway assets safely and efficiently
• Improve towpaths and waterside areas, including repairs, litter and environmental waste removal
• Attend and support events to promote the Trust and recruit new volunteers
• Liaising with community groups to support volunteer groups under the guidance of the volunteer leader
• Undertaking work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme
• Demonstrate and promote the Trust’s values, ensuring inclusion and diversity are embedded in daily practice

Training & Development

You don’t need any prior experience, we’ll teach you. What matters is you have a genuine interest in practical, hands‑on work. You enjoy solving problems and feel comfortable working outside in all weathers. You need to have a driving licence; this is mandatory due to the breadth of our network.

You will work towards the Level 3 Water Environment Worker apprenticeship standard with one of our expert training providers. You may be expected to stay away from home to attend training – all training 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. The Canal & River Trust is committed to supporting apprentices to become experts in their field, offering structured development pathways and long‑term career prospects.

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. 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.

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.