Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 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: Highworth, Swindon SN6 7NA
- 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 TeamThames, 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 Swindon 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 Swindon
✨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 your passion for the job! During the interview, express why you want to work in the water industry and how you can contribute to Thames Water's mission. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re professional and keen on the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Show Your Passion for the Role: We want to see your enthusiasm! In your written application, let us know why you're excited about working outdoors and making a difference in the community. Share any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your personality and skills.
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 information you need about the role and our company there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Thames Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of water network operations. Brush up on key terms like leaks, valves, and flow devices. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is essential in this job, be prepared to demonstrate how you can effectively communicate with team members and customers. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully worked in a team or resolved a conflict.
✨Be Ready for the Outdoors
This role involves working outdoors in various weather conditions. Be honest about your comfort level with this and share any relevant experiences. If you've worked in similar environments before, mention it!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about training opportunities, safety measures, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
