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- Tasks: Repair and maintain water systems, clear blockages, and operate powered equipment outdoors.
- 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 difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1–3 required.
- Other info: Permanent contract with structured training and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Repair and 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.
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 - Kidlington, Oxfordshire employer: Thames Water
Contact Detail:
Thames Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Repair & Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentice - Kidlington, 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
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions and answers with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for the role! During interviews, share specific examples of why you want to work as a Repair & Maintenance Operative. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining the Thames Water family.
We think you need these skills to ace Repair & Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentice - Kidlington, Oxfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about working in the water industry and making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Mention specific tasks like repairing valves or working outdoors to show you understand what we do.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your application is easy to read. This will help us see your potential right away!
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 there too.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Repair & Maintenance Operative. Brush up on your knowledge about valves, hydrants, and flow devices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is essential in this job, prepare to demonstrate your ability to work well with others. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated in a team or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your teamwork skills.
✨Be Ready for the Outdoors
This role involves working in various weather conditions, so be prepared to discuss how you handle outdoor work. Share any past experiences that showcase your adaptability and willingness to work in challenging environments.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the training programme or the company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.