Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Scientific Services team to learn hands-on skills in water quality testing and analysis.
- Company: Scottish Water is dedicated to providing safe drinking water and protecting the environment.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a starting salary of £23,840, bonuses, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while working in a supportive, fun team environment.
- Qualifications: Must be at least 17 years old with five National 4 or 5s in English, Maths, and Science.
- Other info: Applications close on April 6, 2025; interviews in May; start date August 4, 2025.
R9917 Modern Apprenticeship 2025 – Science (Edinburgh)
Ready to own your future? At Scottish Water, our Modern Apprenticeships aren’t about just sitting in classrooms all day. They’re designed to get you out there, hands-on, learning real skills from the start. You’ll earn while you learn, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and build a career that actually matters.
Fresh out of school? Ready for a career switch? Whatever your story, we’ve got opportunities that challenge you, support you, and help you grow.
Join our Scientific Services team in Edinburgh from August 2025 .
What does a Science Modern Apprentice do?
As a Science Modern Apprentice, you’ll be learning how we protect public health and the environment by providing safe, high-quality drinking water. Over three years, you’ll gain hands-on experience in our laboratories, developing your skills alongside expert scientists while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
You’ll learn how to test and analyse water quality, helping to ensure accurate results and maintain essential services. From running tests to maintaining instruments, you’ll gain valuable experience in how a busy lab operates.
It’s all about teamwork. You’ll learn how to prioritise tasks, manage deadlines, and help translate complex results into clear information for customers. You’ll also be trained to meet strict quality standards, because in science, accuracy is everything.
Safety is a top priority. You’ll learn to work to the highest health and safety standards, ensuring full compliance with laws and regulations – because getting it right matters for you, the team, and Scotland’s water.
Your Journey with Us
Modern Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning, with the opportunity to complete professional qualifications. Each apprentice has both a day-to-day line manager, and a personal assessor who supports them through their qualification and ensures their training is of the highest standard.
Over three years, you’ll receive dedicated training to become a fully qualified Scientist , gaining the skills and confidence to make a real impact.
You’ll be part of an expert, experienced team who will support you to develop your skills and knowledge while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. This is your chance to earn as you learn, working with industry-leading teams to help deliver services that are essential to the daily lives of the people of Scotland.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll challenge and stretch yourself. We’re here to help you make the most of your skills and abilities with first-class training, support, and a big investment in your development.
You will qualify with an SVQ In Applied Sciences at SCQF Level 6, with day release available for you to complete an HND at Forth Valley College.
Earn as you learn. You’ll start on £23,840 , with clear, scheduled pay increases as you reach key milestones throughout your training. You’ll also be eligible for an annual bonus and a great pension scheme.
Job security. The vast majority of our apprentices choose to stay with us after completing their programmes. Many people even spend their entire careers with us! Some go on to become team leaders or managers, while others focus on honing their technical expertise.
You’ll be providing an essential service to Scotland and your local community, helping to protect our natural environment.
And the best bit? You’ll be working as part of a friendly, close-knit team that genuinely wants to see you succeed – and who make coming into work fun.
What you’ll need
- You need to be at least 17 years old by 1 August 2025.
- A responsible attitude to learning and work is essential. You’ll be someone people can trust and rely on.
- You’ll have five National 4 or 5s (or similar) in English, Maths and Science.
A Note to Women Considering an Apprenticeship
We’re proud to see more women joining our apprenticeship programmes every year – but we know there’s still work to do. Women are underrepresented in some of these roles, and we’re committed to changing that.
If you’re reading this and wondering if an apprenticeship is right for you, here’s the answer: it is. Don’t let outdated ideas about who belongs in certain jobs hold you back.
Apprenticeships are for anyone with curiosity, drive, and a willingness to learn. If that sounds like you, we’d love to see you apply.
At Scottish Water, you’ll find a supportive network of women and men who’ve got your back. Whether you’re out in the field, in the lab, or in the office, you’ll be part of a team that’s here to help you grow, succeed, and feel like you belong – because you do.
The not-so-small print
We’re accepting applications until midnight on Sunday 6 of April 2025.
There will be some fun (no, honestly!) online assessment activity during late April. Interviews will happen during May. And we’re aiming to get all our new apprentices started on the 4 of August.
Modern Apprenticeship 2025 – Science (Edinburgh) employer: Scottish Water
Contact Detail:
Scottish Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Modern Apprenticeship 2025 – Science (Edinburgh)
✨Tip Number 1
Research Scottish Water and their values. Understanding their commitment to public health and the environment will help you align your answers during the assessment activities and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the online assessment by practicing teamwork scenarios. Since the role emphasizes collaboration, showcasing your ability to work well with others will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with basic laboratory practices and safety standards. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with current or former apprentices on social media platforms. They can provide insights into the program and share tips that could give you an edge in your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Modern Apprenticeship 2025 – Science (Edinburgh)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Modern Apprenticeship. Understand what a Science Modern Apprentice does and the skills required, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to emphasize your National 4 or 5 qualifications in English, Maths, and Science. If you have any additional relevant experience or coursework, include that as well to showcase your readiness for the role.
Show Your Enthusiasm: In your application, express your passion for science and your eagerness to learn. Mention any specific interests in water quality or environmental protection to demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Prepare for Online Assessments: Since there will be online assessment activities, practice common assessment types such as numerical reasoning or situational judgment tests. This preparation will help you feel more confident when the time comes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water
✨Show Your Passion for Science
Make sure to express your genuine interest in science and how it relates to public health and the environment. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team setting. Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues.
✨Demonstrate a Responsible Attitude
Scottish Water values a responsible attitude towards learning and work. Be ready to talk about how you approach tasks with diligence and reliability, and provide examples of when you've taken responsibility in previous situations.
✨Prepare for Safety Standards Discussion
Safety is a top priority in this apprenticeship. Familiarize yourself with basic health and safety standards in laboratory settings, and be prepared to discuss why these are important in ensuring accurate results and protecting public health.
