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: 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, excellent career progression, and supportive training environment.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1050 £ per month.
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: 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.
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.
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
Contact Detail:
Pertemps 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! Research Thames Water and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to water management. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role is all about practical skills, practice any relevant tasks you might face. Whether it’s operating tools or understanding safety protocols, being prepared will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thames Water family. So, get that application in ASAP!
We think you need these skills to ace Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you’re 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 Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do at Thames Water.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your application is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it 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
✨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 Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Whether it's a school project or a part-time job, highlight your communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Get Hands-On Experience
If possible, try to gain some practical experience before the interview. This could be through volunteering or even just tinkering with tools at home. Being able to talk about real-life applications of your skills will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the training process, what a typical day looks like, or how the team handles emergency situations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.