Mechanical Engineering Degree Level 6 Apprentice

Ready to kick‑start your future in engineering? Join us as a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice and play a key role in supporting the UK’s largest water and wastewater provider. You’ll gain hands‑on experience with our Major Projects and Planning team while working towards a Level 6 HNC/HND and BSc or BEng (Hons) in Engineering.

What you’ll be doing as a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice:

• Define and capture the technical requirements for Project Definition Briefs.
• Ensure engineering activities meet regulatory compliance for mechanical assets.
• Develop an understanding of safety, environmental, sustainability, and security standards related to product, component, and system design, development, and modification.
• Learn and apply quality management and assurance processes.
• Gain experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) packages.

Where you’ll work:

• Location: Clearwater Court, Reading – Hybrid
• Hours: 36‑hour week over four working days plus one training day
• Start date: September 2026
• Training and qualification: You’ll study with Newbury University College, one of the UK’s leading engineering training providers. Your training includes attending taught sessions at the Newbury campus one day per week.
• Qualification achieved: Level 6 Apprenticeship Standard in Product Design Development in Engineering – HNC/HND & BSc (Hons) or BEng (Hons) in Engineering.
• Duration: Permanent contract with a 48‑month structured programme.

What you should bring to the role:

• 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade 9–4 / A–C)
• 3 A‑Levels grade C or above including technology or engineering subject
• Travel required to Thames Water sites
• Good time‑management and communication skills
• Able to work well in a team and independently

What’s in it for you:

• Excellent salary: £23,500 per annum
• Annual leave: 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to a range of benefits to support your health, wellbeing and finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle‑to‑Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

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.

Our Commitment:

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.

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.