At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to build a greener Northern Ireland through hands-on engineering experience.
- Company: NI Water, committed to a sustainable future and career growth.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and professional qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water industry while gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 16+, with five GCSEs including Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 10000 £ per month.
Want to be part of building a greener, healthier and stronger Northern Ireland? Come and join us! We’ll provide you with industry leading skills and the experience you’ll need to succeed in your career.
We currently have opportunities for self-motivated and enthusiastic Apprentices at multiple locations across Northern Ireland, who are interested in making a difference to the Northern Ireland water industry and building a career with NI Water. Come and join us as a Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Apprentice where no two days are ever the same!
Our apprentices will be exposed to a wide variety of industry equipment by supporting more than 100,000 items of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and safety equipment that underpin the organisation’s production lines. The four-year Mechanical and Electrical apprenticeship programme is designed to ensure you gain real life, on the job experience, developing new skills and knowledge that will support you in building a successful career with NI Water. You will also enjoy being able to share your experiences with and learn from other apprentices, colleagues and mentors.
We are offering you the opportunity to specialise in either Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
- If you specialise in Electrical Engineering, you’ll focus on the many electrical systems that power and control equipment across NI Water sites. You will learn to install, maintain and repair electrical equipment and wiring and you will work on electrical maintenance and fault finding to keep sites powered, automated and safe.
- If you specialise in Mechanical Engineering, you’ll learn to operate our kit, which includes planned and reactive maintenance. One day you could be working on pumps, gearboxes, or screening systems, the next day you could be dosing systems and actuated valve assemblies.
NI Water offers a competitive salary and benefits package from day one. You’ll have the opportunity to earn as you learn alongside highly experienced people, while gaining a professional Level 3 qualification in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. You’ll also benefit from subsidised driving lessons to help you get into the driving seat of your career!
Following completion of the apprenticeship programme, successful Apprentices will have the opportunity to progress to a senior technical role within our Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Function in our Customer and Operations Directorate (C&OD).
Applicants MUST be able to demonstrate in their application and where necessary at interview:
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:- Be at least 16 years old on 1st September 2026.
- Candidates will be required to undertake competency-based tests within a computer-based assessment. These tests will assess candidates’ essential skills, literacy, numeracy and other key aptitudes for the role. In order to progress to the next stage of the selection process, candidates must achieve a satisfactory score in all key areas. All candidates must provide a personal email address on their application form which will be required to undertake the computer-based assessment skills tests.
- By the 20th August 2026, have attained the qualifications necessary to be eligible for one of the accepted courses of study (Part Time) as set out below:
- Electrical Level 3 Apprenticeship in Electro-Technical Services with North West Regional College at Springtown, Strabane, or Greystone Campus (4 Year Course)
- Or Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Electrical/Mechatronics) with South Eastern Regional College in Bangor or Lisburn (4 Year Course)
- Entry Requirements - Five GCSEs to include Grade D or above in Maths and English
- Mechanical Level 3 Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering with North West Regional College at Springtown Campus (3 Year Course, 4 Year Programme)
- Or Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Manufacturing) with South Eastern Regional College in Bangor, Downpatrick or Lisburn (4 Year Course)
- Entry Requirements - Five GCSEs to include Grade D or above in Maths and English
- Have the right to live and work in the UK. Please note NI Water is unable to provide sponsorship for visa applicants, as such applicants must hold the right to work in the UK to be eligible for this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK before an offer of employment is made.
- Access to a form of transport which will enable them to meet the requirements of the post in full, including attendance at college courses.
- Must have a permanent residence within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to your nominated NI Water base, as set out below. This is required to enable NI Water to deliver effective service to customers, particularly in responding promptly to out of hours emergencies.
Please note: The successful applicants will be required to drive company vehicles on completion of their training. You are therefore required to hold a full driving licence or undertake driving lessons and pass your driving test by the end of year one (or year two if the candidate is 16 at their start date).
What is on Offer
- Starting salary for the role is £20,159
- There are four opportunities available specialising in Mechanical in the following locations:
- Dungannon (2 positions)
- Crossgar (1 position)
- Ballymoney (1 position)
- There are two opportunities available specialising in Electrical in the following locations:
- Crossgar (1 position)
- Ballymoney (1 position)
- Generous annual leave and public/privilege holidays
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Hybrid Working (applicable to some of our roles after three months following onboarding and training)
- Occupational sick pay
- Employee assistance programmes
- Cycle to work scheme
- One of the largest corporate volunteering schemes in NI
- Award winning health and wellbeing programme which focuses on supporting four key area of employee health; Physical, Mental, Social and Financial
To submit your application, please click APPLY NOW. For additional information about the role please download a Candidate Brief below. Closing date for submission of Applications: 16th February 2026 at 10.00am.
Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship Programme in Ballymoney employer: NI Water
NI Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Apprentices to gain hands-on experience while contributing to a greener and healthier Northern Ireland. With a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a strong focus on employee growth through mentorship and training, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values your development and well-being. Join us and be part of a team that not only invests in your future but also makes a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship Programme in Ballymoney
✨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 NI Water.
✨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 NI Water.
✨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 NI Water 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 NI Water when you're stepping into the apprenticeship scene.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Apprenticeship Programme in Ballymoney
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 NI Water 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 NI Water that you're ready to contribute positively from day one.
How to prepare for a job interview at NI Water
✨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 NI Water.
✨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 NI Water. 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!
