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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: Earn £22,500, enjoy 24 days holiday, and access health and wellbeing perks.
- 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: Dynamic role with excellent progression opportunities and supportive training.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
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: Datchet, SL4 6HW
- 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 - Datchet, Berkshire 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 - Datchet, Berkshire
✨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
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role is all about practical skills, be ready to demonstrate your abilities. Brush up on basic tools and techniques related to water network operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thames Water family. Don’t wait too long; apply early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice - Datchet, Berkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing 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 the role and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Water Network Operative role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description, like teamwork or working outdoors, to show us you’re a great fit!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make your application easy to read by using simple language and clear formatting. Stick to the point and avoid unnecessary fluff – we want to see your qualifications and passion without wading through too much text.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there too.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the basics of water network operations. Understand what a Water Network Operative does, including tasks like tracking leaks and operating diggers. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is key in this role, be prepared to demonstrate how you can effectively communicate with team members and customers. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully worked in a team or resolved a conflict.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work outdoors in various conditions. Prepare scenarios where you had to think on your feet or adapt to changing situations, as this will highlight your readiness for the physical demands of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the apprenticeship programme or the company culture. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. For example, ask about the training process or opportunities for progression.
