At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn plumbing skills while working on exciting projects and maintaining essential systems.
- Company: Join BAM, a leading construction company with over 150 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work towards a Level 3 Plumbing Apprenticeship with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and make a positive impact in your community.
- Qualifications: A strong willingness to learn and good communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 18500 - 25000 £ per year.
Building a sustainable tomorrow. What if an apprenticeship programme was just the start of your incredible journey? From skills to success, the possibilities are endless. With a reputation built over 150 years, BAM has the depth, scale and momentum to offer you more than a next step. We offer you a path. One that can take you across sectors, into leadership, or even around the world. We invest in development because we want our people to stay and grow. Wherever you want to go, we’ll help you get there.
Making Possible
Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM)
Routine, scheduled tasks that keep building systems compliant, efficient, and safe.
- Carrying out scheduled checks on plumbing assets (e.g pumps, valves, water heaters, calorifiers, cold-water storage tanks).
- Flushing systems to maintain water hygiene and comply with L8/ACOP (legionella control).
- Testing and recording temperatures at sentinel taps and other designated outlets.
- Inspecting and cleaning strainers, filters, and traps to ensure good water flow.
- Servicing TMVs (Thermostatic Mixing Valves) — stripping, cleaning, descaling, and recalibrating.
- Checking for leaks, corrosion, and wear and reporting early signs of failure.
- Updating CAFM system logs, completing job sheets, and ensuring compliance records are accurate.
- Coordinating with site teams to plan maintenance in operational areas with minimal disruption.
Reactive Maintenance
Responding to unplanned issues, breakdowns, and urgent jobs across the estate.
- Responding to leaks, burst pipes, or water ingress issues.
- Unblocking toilets, sinks, gullies, and drainage systems as needed.
- Diagnosing and fixing faulty pumps, heaters, pipework, or fittings.
- Isolating water supplies to prevent property damage in emergencies.
- Repairing or replacing fixtures and sanitaryware (taps, traps, flush valves, cisterns).
- Addressing hot water failures or lack of flow/pressure issues.
- Working closely with soft services, security, and FM coordinators to manage areas safely during repairs.
- Documenting all reactive work in the CAFM system, including follow on works if needed.
Project Work
Non urgent, planned installation or upgrade works, either standalone or part of capital projects.
- Installing new plumbing systems for refurbishments, refurb fit-outs, or space changes.
- Upgrading fixtures (washrooms, kitchenettes, commercial bathrooms).
- Replacing sections of old pipework.
- Fitting new pumps, water heaters, booster sets, or dosing equipment.
- Coordinating with other trades such as electricians, builders, and HVAC engineers.
- Reading and working from drawings or schematics.
- Ensuring installations meet building regs and water authority standards.
- Testing and commissioning new systems before handover.
- Updating asset lists and ensuring new equipment is added to PPM schedules.
Typical Project Scope
- Bathroom refurbishment
- Commercial kitchen upgrades
- Pipe rerouting for office reconfigurations
- Water system modernisation
- Sustainability upgrades (low flow fixtures, sensor taps)
Your team
We are looking to bring on an Apprentice Plumber at Bedford Academy supporting the Heart Academies Trust. The successful candidate will work towards a L3 Plumbing Apprenticeship on a day release basis at Bedford College. A BAM apprenticeship is a full time earn and learn position, where you will be involved in delivering multi million-pound projects. Leaving a lasting legacy and positive change in our communities.
BAM FM is proud to support Heart Academies Trust in the effective management and maintenance of their portfolio of schools. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive mechanical and electrical services, ensuring each site operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with statutory requirements. As the incumbent facilities management partner, we take responsibility for delivering proactive and reactive maintenance, compliance testing, and planned project works. Our focus is on minimising disruption to teaching and learning environments while enhancing the long-term performance of the Trust’s buildings and infrastructure. Through close collaboration and a commitment to high standards, we help Heart Academies Trust create safe, reliable, and sustainable spaces for students, staff, and the wider school community.
What’s in it for you?
As part of your apprenticeship you will work towards professional membership for your profession. We will support you on this journey with our network of professional mentors and subject matter experts, ensuring that you have all that you need to succeed. In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we provide continuing development opportunities within a creative and considerate work environment. BAM is committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices, and to developing family friendly policies that support work-life balance.
- Competitive Salary
- BAM Benefits (online discount platform)
- Volunteering Days
- Wellbeing Days
- Generous Holiday Allowance including additional holiday purchase scheme
- Annual Salary Review
- EPA (Employee Assistance Programme)
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme
As well as working in alignment with our values of being collaborative, reliable, inclusive, and taking ownership we will look to understand your personal values, your potential and development areas for the role.
What do you bring to the role?
- Strong willingness to learn and develop
- Good communication skills
- Team player
- Positive, proactive attitude
- Reliability and good timekeeping
- Attention to detail
- Professional behaviour on site
- Practical, hands‑on mindset
- Ability to follow instructions and technical guidance
About BAM
Building a sustainable tomorrow. That’s our mission and our promise at BAM. It’s how we engineer vital infrastructure and construct high-quality buildings as one of the largest construction companies in Europe. We strive to create an environment where everybody feels welcome and valued. We’re on an exciting journey to employ the best talent to join us regardless of social background, race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability or other characteristics.
The application process
Applications are now open, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible - please answer all questions set out in the application form. Our application is open until 12 March 2026. BAM is committed to ensuring a fully inclusive recruitment and onboarding process, so if at any time you feel you may need any reasonable adjustments, do not hesitate to speak with one of our team, and we will do our best to support you. Join us in making possible.
Apprentice - Plumbing employer: Royal BAM Group
BAM is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its apprentices, offering a comprehensive L3 Plumbing Apprenticeship at Bedford Academy. With a commitment to equality and a supportive work culture, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a range of wellbeing initiatives, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance local communities. Join us to build a sustainable tomorrow and unlock your potential in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice - Plumbing
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research BAM and its values. When you show genuine interest in their mission of building a sustainable tomorrow, it’ll set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to plumbing and teamwork. We want to see your passion and how you can contribute to our projects!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice - Plumbing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for plumbing and your eagerness to learn.
Tailor Your Answers:Make sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your responses to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role!
Check Your Details:Before hitting that submit button, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is super important in plumbing!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal BAM Group
✨Know Your Plumbing Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your plumbing knowledge. Understand key concepts like PPM, reactive maintenance, and project work. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
BAM values a strong willingness to learn. Be prepared to share examples of how you've approached learning new skills in the past. This could be from school projects, hobbies, or even DIY tasks at home.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As an apprentice, you'll be working closely with others. Highlight your teamwork experiences during the interview. Share stories where you collaborated effectively, showing that you're a reliable team player who can contribute positively to the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask your interviewers about the apprenticeship programme and BAM's approach to sustainability. This shows that you're engaged and genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission of building a sustainable tomorrow.
