At a Glance
- Tasks: Get hands-on experience in water network operations, tackling real-world challenges.
- Company: Join Scottish Water, a trusted provider dedicated to serving communities across Scotland.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive pay, bonuses, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring clean, reliable water for your community.
- Qualifications: Must be at least 17 years old with a responsible attitude towards work.
The predicted salary is between 25312 - 25312 £ per year.
Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland. 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 Water Network Operations team in Ayrshire.
As a Water Network Operations Modern Apprentice, you'll dive straight into the action, tackling everything from burst pipes to valve shut offs, all while learning how our water network works behind the scenes. You'll work alongside experts, getting hands-on experience with maintaining pumping stations, keeping the water flowing, and fixing problems as they arise.
No two days will be the same. You'll jump in to help gather important data, solve customer queries, and pitch in to make sure the network keeps running smoothly. As you progress, you'll take on more responsibility - helping to manage on-site tasks, keeping everything safe and compliant, and making sure communities always have clean, reliable water.
Safety comes first. You'll be fully kitted out with PPE and trained to carry out risk assessments. Over time, you'll learn how to ensure compliance with regulations, including carrying out sampling on mains, bursts, and customer complaints.
This is your chance to learn, grow, and play a key role in delivering safe, fresh water to communities across Scotland - while helping us set standards that go beyond what's expected.
Your Journey with Us
Modern Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning, with the opportunity to complete professional qualifications. Supported by our in-house Skills Academy team, 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 four years, you'll receive dedicated training to become a fully qualified Network Service Operator, gaining the skills and confidence to make a real impact.
- How to maintain and repair water and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring everything runs smoothly
- How to monitor and inspect key network assets like pipe, valves, and pumping stations
- How to identify and respond to network faults, including burst pipes and leaks
- How to collect and record data on network performance, helping to identify areas for improvement
- How to use the tools and technology to track, manage, and report on network operations
- How to work in a way that keeps you and your colleagues safe and healthy.
A lot of your time will be spent outdoors. But in Scotland we all know that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. So, we'll make sure you're kitted out for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
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.
Once you've reached a certain point in your training, you'll be included in our Out-of-Hours rota. That means you might occasionally be called into work outside your normal hours to investigate or fix a problem. You'll earn some extra money each month for this, whether you're called in or not.
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 a Water Industry SVQ at SCQF Level 5/6. From your 2nd year, you'll get the option to do an HNC in Water Operations. And be supported through your qualification by trainers and assessors from our in-house Skills Academy.
- Earn as you learn. You'll start on £25,312, 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. A responsible attitude to learning and work is essential.
Modern Apprenticeship 2026 - Water Network Operations (Ayrshire) employer: scottishwater
Scottish Water is an exceptional employer that prioritises hands-on learning and personal growth through its Modern Apprenticeship programme in Ayrshire. With a strong commitment to employee development, apprentices receive industry-recognised qualifications while earning a competitive salary, all within a supportive and friendly team environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact on communities across Scotland, ensuring they have access to clean and reliable water, while enjoying job security and opportunities for career advancement.
