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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 leave, and health 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, training support, 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: Lea Bridge North London, E5 9RJ
- 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.
Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in London 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Thames Water. Understand their values and mission. This will help you connect your skills and experiences to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your hands-on experience aligns with the role of a Water Network Operative.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working outdoors and making a difference shine through. Talk about why you want to be part of the Thames Water team and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Water Network Operative role. Highlight any hands-on experience or relevant qualifications, and don’t forget to mention your communication skills!
Show Your Passion: In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about this apprenticeship. Share your enthusiasm for working outdoors and making a difference in the community – we love to see genuine passion!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Thames Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on the basics of water network operations. Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes like leak tracking, valve replacement, and safety protocols. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is key in this job, be prepared to demonstrate how you can effectively communicate with team members and customers. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully conveyed information or worked as part of a team.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Prepare scenarios where you had to think on your feet, especially in outdoor or physically demanding situations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can handle the job's challenges.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, opportunities for progression, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
