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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, diverse environment, and excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 980 £ 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 callouts, 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: Kidlington, Highworth
- Hours: 45-hour week over four working days plus one training day, with a 7:30 am 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:
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 Oxford employer: Pertemps
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in Oxford
✨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
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and working outdoors. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thames Water family and ready to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for the role! Share why you’re excited about becoming a Water Network Operative and how you can contribute to our mission of providing clean water.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we’re looking for, like teamwork, communication, and working outdoors.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and motivations without sifting through unnecessary fluff!
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
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on the basics of water network operations. Familiarise yourself with common terms like valves, hydrants, and flow devices. Showing that you understand the technical aspects will impress your interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
If you've had any previous experience working outdoors or with tools, make sure to highlight it. Even if it's just a hobby, talking about how you've tackled physical tasks or worked in challenging conditions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key in this role, especially when working as part of a team. Practice explaining your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully communicated in past experiences, whether in school or work.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, what a typical day looks like, or how the team handles emergency situations. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about the company and the role.
