At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Flexible working, training support, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1050 £ 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: Kentish Town, NW1 8SL
- 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.
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.
Repair & Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentice - London, Greater London employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Repair & Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentices to gain hands-on experience in a vital industry while working towards a recognised qualification. With a strong commitment to employee growth, excellent benefits including a generous pension scheme and health support, and a diverse, inclusive work culture, you will be part of a team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of millions. Join us in Kentish Town and embark on a rewarding career path that prioritises both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Repair & Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentice - London, Greater London
✨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 industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to repair and maintenance. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role, so you can impress them with your hands-on knowledge.
✨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, though – apply early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Repair & Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentice - London, Greater London
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 Repair & Maintenance Operative and making a difference in the community.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we’re looking for, like teamwork, communication, and working outdoors. This helps us see why you’d be a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforwardness, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. 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, brush up on the basics of water network operations and maintenance. Familiarise yourself with common tools and techniques used in the industry. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to learn.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a Repair & Maintenance Operative, you'll need to communicate effectively with your team and customers. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, and be ready to discuss how you would handle communication in various scenarios.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully tackled challenges, especially in outdoor or physically demanding situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is crucial in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Highlight your ability to collaborate and support others, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
