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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: Earn £22,500, enjoy 24 days holiday, and access health and wellbeing perks.
- 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? 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: Datchet, SL4 6HW
- 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.
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. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.
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.
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 Datchet 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 Datchet
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Thames Water. Understand their values and mission, and think about how you can contribute to their goals. This will show them you're genuinely interested and ready to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on your hands-on experience and how it relates to the role. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, highlight any relevant experience you have with tools, teamwork, or outdoor work. If you've tackled similar tasks before, share those stories to demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions ready. This shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about the apprenticeship and the team you'll be working with.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in Datchet
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 working in the water industry and making a difference.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with the hands-on work of a Water Network Operative!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can get back to you quickly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Thames Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the basics of water network operations. Understand the key tasks like tracking leaks, operating tools, and safety protocols. This will show your genuine interest and readiness to dive into the role.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is essential in this job, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past experiences. Think of examples where teamwork or clear instructions made a difference in a project.
✨Dress for the Job
Even though you’ll be working outdoors, make sure to dress smartly for the interview. A neat appearance shows professionalism and respect for the opportunity. Plus, it sets a positive tone for the conversation.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship, training, and career progression. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
