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Water network operative apprenticeships

Building and civil engineering technicians > Network Controller (Water Treatment)

Construction, the built environment and trades | Engineering and maintenance | Environment and land

Water network operative apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly


    • College

    You could start by taking a college course like: 

    • Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills 
    • Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations 
    • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Water Engineering with a choice of 4 pathways
    You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. You'll need 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a Level 1 course. You'll need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. 

    Apprenticeship
    You may get into this career by doing a Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship in the water industry. The following Apprenticeships may be relevant to this role: 

    • Level 2 Water network operative 
    • Level 3 Water process technician 
    This will usually take 16 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

    You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. 

    Direct Application
    There are no set Entry requirements for this job though employers may prefer you to have a good general standard of education like GCSEs in English and maths. Experience in construction, plumbing, building services engineering or plant maintenance could be useful. 

    Water network operative apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • knowledge of public safety and security
    • observation and recording skills 
    • the ability to operate and control equipment 
    • the ability to work on your own 
    • knowledge of maths 
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You may need to be registered in one of the water industry safety passport schemes, supported by the Energy & Utilities Skills Register (EUSR). The safety passport proves that you are competent to carry out work on the water network. You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

    Water network operative apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You could: 

    • dig holes by hand or with mechanical digging equipment 
    • use maps and plans to trace where to dig 
    • lay and repair water mains and pipes 
    • use closed circuit TV to check for blockages in pipes and drains 
    • clear blockages 
    • install water meters and hydrants 
    • maintain vehicles and equipment 
    • record details of completed work and materials used
    Working environment
    Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Water network operative apprenticeships

    With experience, you could progress to a team leader. With further training, you could become an engineering technician or water engineer.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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