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- Tasks: Get hands-on fixing and maintaining water networks while learning on the job.
- Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £22,500, 24 days holiday, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while building a sustainable career.
- Qualifications: Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1–3 required.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 18750 - 22500 £ per year.
Ready to get hands-on and make a real impact? As a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice, you’ll work on-site, learning to build, fix, and maintain the pipes and networks that keep homes and businesses supplied with clean water. You’ll gain experience in both planned upgrades and emergency response, all while working towards a Level 2 Water Network Operative qualification and building a long-term career with plenty of progression opportunities.
What you’ll be doing as a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice:
- Gain hands-on experience with the water team while being fully supported throughout your apprenticeship
- Track and repair leaks and bursts; replace valves, hydrants, and stop taps; clear blockages; install and maintain meters and flow devices
- Set up traffic control and safety barriers; ensure digs and reinstatements are safe and tidy
- Operate diggers, tools, and other powered equipment
- Keep accurate job logs and safety records
- Work outdoors in all weather, across streets, homes, and building sites; shifts, standby call-outs, and physically demanding tasks, sometimes in tight spaces
- Develop skills in clean-water network operations, safe digging, digital flow monitoring, teamwork, and communication
Where you’ll work:
- Location: Croydon, CR0 8YY
- Hours: 45-hour week over four working days plus one training day, with a 7:30am start
- Start date: May 2026
Training and qualification:
- You’ll study with Watertrain, one of the UK’s leading water training providers, with 2-day block release training each month at a Thames Water site.
- Qualification achieved: Water network operative Level 2 standard
- Duration: Permanent contract with a 15-18 month structured programme
What you should bring to the role:
- Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1–3 (D–G) or above
- Aged 18 or above
- Comfortable with working outdoors in different weather conditions
- Good communication skills
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent salary: £22,500 annum
- Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Work towards completing Level 2 English and Maths during the programme
- Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON
- Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.
Working at Thames Water:
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.
Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.
Why choose us? We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.
When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.
Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice - Croydon, Surrey employer: Thames Water
Contact Detail:
Thames Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice - Croydon, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Thames Water and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to water management. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and working outdoors. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thames Water family.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice - Croydon, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about becoming a Water Network Operative and making a difference in our communities.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do at Thames Water.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of water network operations. Brush up on key terms like valves, hydrants, and flow devices. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is essential in this job, be prepared to demonstrate how you can effectively communicate with team members and customers. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully conveyed information or resolved issues.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in emergency situations. Prepare scenarios where you had to think on your feet or handle a challenging task, as this will highlight your ability to work under pressure.
✨Dress for the Job
Even though this is a hands-on role, first impressions matter. Dress smartly but practically for the interview. It shows respect for the opportunity and indicates that you’re ready to get your hands dirty when the time comes.
