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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: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and health 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: Flexible working arrangements and excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1050 £ per month.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Starting Salary £22,500 per annum
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 callouts, 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: Kidlington, Highworth
- 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 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.
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 - Oxford, Oxfordshire 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 - Oxford, Oxfordshire
✨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, practice any relevant tasks you might face. Show them you’re ready to get your hands dirty and tackle challenges head-on.
✨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 Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice - Oxford, Oxfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for the role! In your application, mention why you’re excited about becoming a Water Network Operative and how you can contribute to our mission of providing clean water.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences. If you've worked outdoors or have any hands-on experience, shout about it! We want to know how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly.
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 knowledge will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is key in this job, be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated in past experiences. Think of examples where teamwork was essential, especially in challenging situations, and share those stories during your interview.
✨Be Ready for the Outdoors
This role involves working outside in various weather conditions. Be honest about your comfort level with outdoor work and share any relevant experiences. If you've worked in similar environments before, make sure to highlight that!
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship and the company. Inquire about training opportunities, safety measures, or career progression. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
