At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in managing technology for water systems and develop automation skills.
- Company: Join Portsmouth Water, a company dedicated to ensuring water availability for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of leave, a generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; apply early due to high demand.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career while making a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Technical Certificate in Engineering and GCSE English and Maths preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25925 - 25925 £ per year.
We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future. Do you have a Level 3 Technical Certificate in an Engineering discipline and want to learn more? Join Portsmouth Water as an Operational Technology (OT) Systems Engineering Apprentice.
You’ll gain hands-on engineering experience managing the technology that monitors and controls our water systems. You’ll also work towards a Level 4 Automation & Controls Engineering Technician qualification, opening the door to a long-term career.
What will you be doing?
- You’ll learn to install, maintain, support and optimise hardware and develop the programs that make up Industrial Automation and Control Systems.
- You’ll work across a range of hardware such as programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, and industrial networks.
- This apprenticeship standard covers the core skills, knowledge and behaviours to demonstrate competency of an Automation & Controls Engineer and covers key requirements to include:
- Develop or modify automation and control system programs using a variety of different programming tools, languages and techniques.
- Support and maintain the integration of electrical/electronic safety devices within an automation & control system.
- Install, support and maintain devices linked to and across industrial networking infrastructures including configuration and programming.
- Provide effective fault escalation support to first line service personnel that lead to successful return to operation of automation and control systems.
- Supervise, manage, or oversee activities such as installation of automation and control equipment and industrial networks.
Where you’ll work: Havant head office and at our water treatment sites, when required.
Hours: 38 hours per week (four working days plus one training day).
Start date: The apprenticeship starts at CEMAST college on 15 September 2026. You must be available to attend CEMAST college on 3 September 2026 to enrol on to the apprenticeship. Your employment start date will be agreed upon offer.
Starting salary: £25,925 per annum.
Training location: You’ll train with South Hampshire College Group at their CEMAST facility in Gosport. You must therefore be able to commute to both Gosport (PO13) and Havant (PO9).
Duration: Fixed term contract with a 48-51 month structured programme.
What you’ll need: You must have already obtained a Level 3 Technical Certificate in an Engineering discipline, and GCSE English and Maths grade 4/C or above (or Level 2 functional skills) are preferred. You must have a full UK driving licence or be working towards achieving it. You must be capable of obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance.
We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.
Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications — so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.
Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.
What can Portsmouth Water offer you?
- Holidays Made Better: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.
- A Pension That Works for You: We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% – because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.
- Performance Pays Off: You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance – because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.
- Family Comes First: Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
- Social Events: All expenses covered summer and winter social events.
- Peace of Mind, Always: Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
- Comprehensive Wellbeing Support: Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.
- PW Perks – Treat Yourself! Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year), Cycle to Work Scheme, Health Cash Plan…and so much more!
OT Systems Engineering Apprentice in Havant employer: Portsmouth-Water
Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to ensuring sustainable water services for all. As an OT/Controls Engineer, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering opportunities for training and mentorship. With a commitment to flexibility and inclusivity, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on community health and safety but also supports your professional journey in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OT Systems Engineering Apprentice in Havant
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Portsmouth-Water!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the OT Systems Engineering Apprentice position at Portsmouth-Water, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Portsmouth-Water is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted OT Systems Engineering Apprentice role at Portsmouth-Water!
We think you need these skills to ace OT Systems Engineering Apprentice in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Portsmouth-Water and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth-Water
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Portsmouth-Water.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Portsmouth-Water, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
