OT Systems Engineering Apprentice in Havant

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!