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 arrangements 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 - 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: Lea Bridge, North London, E5 9RJ
- Hours: 45-hour week over four working days plus one training day, with a 7:30 am 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.
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.
Repair and Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentice employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Repair and 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 a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, you will be part of a team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of millions. Join us in Lea Bridge, North London, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to contribute to a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Repair and Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentice
✨Get Hands-On Experience
If you’re looking to break into the skilled trades, seek out volunteer opportunities or part-time gigs that let you flex your hands-on skills. Local community projects or workshops can give you some valuable experience and show potential employers your commitment and passion for the trade!
✨Join Trade Associations
Diving into local trade associations is a great way to connect with professionals in your field. These organisations often host events, training sessions, and networking opportunities that can put you right in front of hiring companies—who knows, you might even bump into someone from Thames Water!
✨Leverage Your Connections
Talk to friends, family, and acquaintances about your apprenticeship search. Sometimes, the best gigs come from word-of-mouth referrals. Let everyone know you’re on the hunt; you’d be surprised at who might have a contact in the industry!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Make sure to check out Thames Water's career page for the latest apprenticeship openings. We always have various roles available, and applying directly through our site can help you stand out as a candidate eager to start learning and working with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Repair and Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:In skilled trades, your hands-on abilities say a lot. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience you've had—whether that's in school, past jobs, or personal projects. If you've got a knack for a certain technique or trade, make it shine on your CV!
Certifications Count!:If you’ve got any relevant certifications or training, don’t hesitate to showcase them. Details like your health and safety qualifications or any specific trade courses you've completed can set you apart from the competition. Just make sure they’re super clear and easy to find on your application!
Express Your Enthusiasm:For an apprenticeship, your motivation is key. Use your cover letter to explain why you’re eager to learn and grow in your chosen trade. Talk about what excites you about the industry and how working at Thames Water can help you achieve your goals.
Tailor Your Application for Thames Water:When you’re applying, make sure to personalise your application for Thames Water. Do a bit of research on the company’s values and goals in skilled trades, and mention how your aspirations and values align with theirs. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely keen on joining their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
As we're diving into the skilled trades for your apprenticeship, make sure you highlight any practical experience you’ve had. Whether you’ve done DIY projects or worked with tools before, let them know how comfortable you are getting your hands dirty and solving real-world problems.
✨Be Ready for Practical Assessments
Expect a hands-on assessment during the interview or as part of your apprenticeship application. You might be asked to demonstrate a specific skill or technique relevant to the trade—so brush up on your practical skills and come prepared to showcase what you’ve got!
✨Learn About the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the common tools and equipment used in your trade before the interview. They might ask about your experience with certain tools or methods, so having a basic understanding and mentioning any tools you’ve used can really set you apart.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, showing your eagerness to learn is crucial! Talk about your motivation for joining the industry and any steps you've taken to educate yourself, like online resources or workshops, to demonstrate you’re ready to grow with the company.
