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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: Earn £22,500, enjoy 24 days holiday, and access health and wellbeing 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, excellent training, and progression opportunities await you.
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: Highworth, Swindon SN6 7NA
- 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.
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.
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 - Swindon 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 - Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Thames Water. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect your skills and experiences to their mission, showing them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your hands-on experience and communication skills can benefit the water team. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During the interview, share why you want to be a Water Network Operative. Talk about your enthusiasm for working outdoors and making a difference in people's lives. Let them see your commitment to the job!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re keen and professional. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Water Network Operative L2 Apprentice - Swindon
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 in people's lives.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Water Network Operative role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills, especially those related to teamwork, communication, and working outdoors. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
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. Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes like leak tracking, valve replacement, and safety protocols. This 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 demonstrate how you can effectively communicate with team members and customers. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully conveyed information or resolved issues.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. For instance, they might ask how you would handle a burst pipe during bad weather. Think through these situations beforehand so you can respond confidently.
✨Dress for the Job
Even though this is a hands-on role, make sure to dress smartly for the interview. A neat appearance shows respect for the opportunity and indicates that you take the role seriously. Plus, it sets a positive tone for your first impression!