Apprentice Field Service Engineer - Electrical (Wastewater) in Eccles

As a Level 3 Apprentice Field Service Engineer - Electrical (Wastewater), you'll learn how to install, repair and maintain electrical equipment, refurbish and replace Wastewater assets, and ensure services run smoothly for customers. You will work as part of a dedicated team focused on keeping plants operating at maximum efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair and maintain electrical equipment; refurbish and replace Wastewater assets to keep services available and functioning.
• Work with a range of equipment, identify faults and carry out routine maintenance in line with health and safety standards.
• Plan and schedule maintenance activity; organise workload in accordance with water industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Plan maintenance work with consideration for process safety, risk assessments, environmental impact and water treatment or wastewater recycling.
• Identify and organise resources to complete tasks, considering process, cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
• Follow health and safety procedures and safe systems of work, including use of PPE, in compliance with regulations and standards.
• Comply with sustainability principles; segregate waste for recycling, reuse or disposal.
• Select, check, store and maintain equipment and tools; restore the work area on completion of activity.
• Communicate in writing and record information (paper-based or electronic) such as job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and asset management records.
• Collect, interpret and use data with information and digital technology; comply with GDPR and cybersecurity regulations and policies.
• Apply equity, diversity and inclusion policies and practices; apply teamworking principles; apply continuous improvement techniques and offer suggestions for improvement.
• Communicate with and provide support, technical advice, and updates to technical and non-technical colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Carry out and record learning and development activities; comply with security procedures (site access, document classification, asset security).
• Electrical: Install, commission and decommission cabling and electrical equipment; apply electrical theories and principles; perform repair and maintenance; modify electrical circuits; interpret electrical drawings; test installations and equipment; isolate equipment for maintenance (permits and lock-off systems).
• Electrical: Interrogate intelligent control equipment (PLCs, HMIs, Intelligent Starters, VSDs); fault finding with diagnostic tools; use tools and components for installation, repair and maintenance.
• ICA (Instrumentation and Control): Install, commission and decommission ICA equipment; configure instrumentation and control devices; calibrate and monitor open/closed loop systems; diagnose faults and test ICA equipment; interpret design specifications, plans and manufacturer instructions; configure field instrumentation and communication devices; apply repair and maintenance practices to ICA equipment and cabling; test telemetry signals and outstations; use software to produce control system programs; assess equipment condition and determine actions.
• Mechanical: Carry out commissioning and decommissioning, assemble and install mechanical equipment or components; disconnect and remove equipment; apply repair and maintenance techniques; use tools and machinery; isolate plant and equipment for maintenance (including safe isolation and depressurisation); inspect and test mechanical systems; fault find and rectify; interpret manufacturer instructions and drawings; apply basic fabrication, welding, thermal cutting and bench fitting techniques.
• Work in line with water industry standards and regulatory requirements; plan maintenance with safety, environmental impact and process risk in mind; identify resources and manage costs, quality and safety.
• Handover and documentation: ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting of activities and outcomes.

During your first year, you’ll spend 3 days per week over an 8-month duration during term time at the Bolton Technical Training Centre.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs minimum or equivalent (grade A-C or 9-4), including Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject (grade A-C or 9-4).
• Communication skills; problem solving skills; teamwork.

Training and Start Details

• Wage: £20,000 per year;
• Training course: Water industry asset maintenance technician (level 3);
• Hours: Monday - Friday, shifts to be confirmed; 37 hours per week;
• Start date: Wednesday 2 September 2026;
• Duration: 4 years.

Notes

• Once you complete the apprenticeship, you may be asked to join a formal standby rota which may require out-of-hours work.
• Accommodation may be reimbursed/provided during the first year if you do not live nearby.
• Training will prepare you for this, and you may be advised to apply for a vacancy with accessible travel to site.

United Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater services in the North West of England.