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- Tasks: Repair and maintain critical plant and process control systems for safe operations.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector with a green mission.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, health benefits, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science; relevant technical qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future.
Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife. Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
About the role: As our Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer you will repair and maintain critical remote plant and process control systems, supporting the safe and efficient delivery of operational services. You will carry out planned maintenance activities and provide timely response to operational issues, performing onsite analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of complex problems.
What you'll be doing:
- Carrying out planned and proactive maintenance activities on operational instrumentation and controls systems to improve process compliance, reliability, and performance.
- Providing timely response to operational issues, performing onsite analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of complex problems.
- Participating in a 24 x 7 x 365 standby roster to provide out of hours reactive maintenance services.
- Working collaboratively with a range of operational teams such as mechanical and electrical technicians to prioritise work and coordinate the delivery of maintenance activities.
- Assisting the Operational Technology Maintenance Manager with root causes of plant failure and/or sub-optimal performance and take ownership of resolution.
- Engaging with Operational Technology Regional Maintenance and Operational Technology Maintenance Managers, instrumentation, and Operational Technology standards engineers to provide levels of technical detail that help to drive Industrial Control System (ICS) technical standards necessary to ensure we comply with relevant legislation e.g., UK NIS (Network and Information Systems) directive, exploit technology and standardise implementations.
- Undertaking firmware/software releases, patching and rollouts according to change, security and release management best practice.
What we are looking for:
- Minimum 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science subject (or equivalent).
- Relevant industrial control apprenticeship, qualifications, or training.
- Strong knowledge of PLC platforms.
- Experience of process control and ELV/LV electrical systems.
- Excellent IT skills and a technical bias.
- Full UK drivers licence and an ability to travel around the work area using company vehicle.
- Ability to complete UK Government Security Clearance (SC) process successfully.
What's in it for you: We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We're one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays.
- A discretionary Bonus.
- Competitive Contributory Pension.
- Share-save Scheme.
- Various health benefits.
- Wellbeing support programmes.
- A range of Group Discounts.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Financial support services.
- And plenty more!
Closing Date: 19th May 2026. Please note that this role will be based at our Totnes site. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process, along with additional security vetting.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Apprentice Maintenance Engineer (Permanent) in Totnes employer: South West Water
Contact Detail:
South West Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Maintenance Engineer (Permanent) in Totnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at South West Water on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Apprentice Maintenance Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge, especially around PLC platforms and process control systems. We want you to show off your skills and passion for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! This role involves collaborating with various operational teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make a splash together!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Maintenance Engineer (Permanent) in Totnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about becoming an Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer and how your skills align with our mission at South West Water.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight relevant experience, especially with PLC platforms and process control systems. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC platforms and process control systems. Be ready to discuss your previous experience and how it relates to the role of an Operational Technology Maintenance Engineer. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the technical aspects involved.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share examples of complex problems you've solved in past roles. Think about specific situations where you had to perform onsite analysis and diagnosis. This will demonstrate your ability to handle operational issues effectively, which is crucial for this position.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to talk about your experience working with different teams, like mechanical and electrical technicians. Highlight any instances where you prioritised work and coordinated maintenance activities, as this will show you can thrive in a team environment.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with South West Water's values and mission. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially around sustainability and community impact. This will help you stand out as a candidate who not only fits the role but also the company ethos.