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- Tasks: Get hands-on fixing and maintaining water networks while learning on the job.
- Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a great pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while building a sustainable career.
- Qualifications: Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1-3 required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and excellent career progression opportunities.
Ready to get hands-on and make a real impact? Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants. As a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice, you’ll work on-site, learning to build, fix, and maintain the pipes and networks that keep homes and businesses supplied with clean water. You’ll gain experience in both planned upgrades and emergency response, all while working towards a Level 2 Water Network Operative qualification and building a long-term career with plenty of progression opportunities.
What you’ll be doing as a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice:
- Gain hands-on experience with the water team while being fully supported throughout your apprenticeship
- Track and repair leaks and bursts; replace valves, hydrants, and stop taps; clear blockages; install and maintain meters and flow devices
- Set up traffic control and safety barriers; ensure digs and reinstatements are safe and tidy
- Operate diggers, tools, and other powered equipment
- Keep accurate job logs and safety records
- Work outdoors in all weather, across streets, homes, and building sites; shifts, standby call-outs, and physically demanding tasks, sometimes in tight spaces
- Develop skills in clean-water network operations, safe digging, digital flow monitoring, teamwork, and communication
Where you’ll work:
- Location: Croydon, CR0 8YY
- Hours: 45-hour week over four working days plus one training day, with a 7:30am start
- Start date: May 2026
Training and qualification:
- You’ll study with Watertrain, one of the UK’s leading water training providers, with 2-day block release training each month at a Thames Water site.
- Qualification achieved: Water network operative Level 2 standard
- Duration: Permanent contract with a 15-18 month structured programme
What you should bring to the role:
- Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1–3 (D–G) or above
- Aged 18 or above
- Comfortable with working outdoors in different weather conditions
- Good communication skills
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)
- Work towards completing Level 2 English and Maths during the programme
- 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.
Who are we?
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. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.
Working at 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. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.
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.
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. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.
Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in Croydon employer: Pertemps Thames Water
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Thames Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Thames Water. Understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your skills and experiences relate to the role of a Water Network Operative. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on skills! Since this role is all about practical work, be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have. Whether it’s DIY projects or previous jobs, highlight how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges of working outdoors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions ready. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you figure out if Thames Water is the right fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about becoming a Water Network Operative and making a difference in our communities.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight any relevant experience or skills you have that match what we're looking for, like teamwork, communication, or working outdoors. This helps us see why you're a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforwardness, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Thames Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the basics of water network operations. Understand what a Water Network Operative does, including tasks like tracking leaks and operating diggers. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past experiences. Think of examples where teamwork was essential, especially in challenging situations, and share those stories during your interview.
✨Be Ready for the Outdoors
This job involves working outside in all weather conditions, so express your comfort with that. You might want to mention any previous outdoor work or activities that demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to tackle physically demanding tasks.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the company culture at Thames Water. This shows you're engaged and serious about the opportunity. Ask about training specifics or how they support apprentices in their career progression.
