Mechanical Engineering Apprentice - Level 3 - Thames Water - Guildford

Job DescriptionWe are looking for candidates to come and join Thames Water as a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice to work across our Clean Water or Waste Water operational sites. This is a great opportunity to learn the essential skills that are already in high demand across the industry and will set you on the path to your future career and once you complete your apprenticeship you will have a permanent job at Thames Water.

Our over-arching diversity and inclusion aim is to ensure Thames Water is a diverse and inclusive great place to work. We encourage applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process.

Start date: 1st September 2025.

Site Location: Guildford STW, GU1 1RU

Working hours: 38 hours per week. (Start time 07:30 am when onsite. Hours will vary when attending training or college).

Programme Length: 36-42 Months.

Training provider details: Basingstoke College of Technology, Worting Rd, Basingstoke RG21 8TN.

Qualification you will obtain: You will complete the Level 3 Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard – Mechanical Pathway. (Included in the programme you will also complete the Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma in Engineering). 

Entry Requirements: A minimum of two GCSEs at grade 4 or above (A*-C), in Maths and English OR functional skills level 2 in Maths and English.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your grades yet, if you are due to sit your exams this year, we still want to hear from you if your predicted grades meet our requirements.

Other immediate demands: Due to the nature of the role, you will need to live a maximum of 30 30-minute journey from your base location. You will also need to be able to drive by the end of your second year to offboard into a permanent position following the apprenticeship.

Application Process:
Step one: Click apply and you will be asked to complete a short online application where we ask for basic information about yourself, you will then need to upload your current qualifications/ predicted grades and finally let us know why you want to apply for this apprenticeship. (we do not ask for CVs at this stage).

Step two: You will be sent a short online assessment please make sure you are in a quiet environment and have given yourself enough time to complete it.

Step three: You will be sent a link to book a telephone screening call with a member of our Resourcing Team this is an opportunity for us to get to know you better and ask you some questions.

Step 4: If you are successful in our screening process you will be invited to an in-person assessment centre which will include a group exercise and a competency-based interview.

Assessment Centre Dates– Assessments will be held in March and if successful you will be invited for a morning or afternoon session.

If you need additional support at any stage of the application process then please let us know by contacting [email protected]

What you’ll be doing as a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice- Level 3

• As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, you will be investigating plant failures and carrying out repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid interruptions to the process. This may involve investigating and diagnosing complex faults and carrying out repairs during incidents.
• Carrying out scheduled planned maintenance work on mechanical equipment in compliance with company standards and procedures.
• Maintaining technical equipment such as various pumps and associated control gear, automatic valves and penstocks, flow, level and pressure measurement, pipework, chemical handling and dosing equipment.
• You will be working alongside an experienced technician for the duration of your programme and will receive ongoing support from your dedicated mentor on-site, line manager and engagement partner who will guide you and help develop your experience to excel within your career at Thames Water.

• You will complete the Level 3 Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard – Mechanical Pathway. (Included in the programme you will also complete the Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma in Engineering). 
• Your training will be provided by Basingstoke College and you will be expected to attend the campus in Basingstoke on a fortnightly basis with the alternate week being virtual delivery, you may also be expected to attend college on block release. (We will support your attendance by paying for your accommodation and travel expenses in line with our travel guidelines and business expense policy)

• Have a real drive and motivation to manage your learning and working life.
• Be a logical thinker and have a passion for technology and finding out how things work.
• Be focused, well organised, have excellent time management skills and have the dedication to succeed.
• Have great teamwork skills but also be able to work independently, putting customers at the heart of everything you do.
• Communicate effectively and be able to challenge when a problem arises.
• Be a champion for Health & Safety within the workplace for both you and your colleagues, helping us maintain our great reputation.
• Be ready to apply everything you learn in your day-to-day role and any projects outside of this.

• Competitive starting salary of £21,500 per annum.
• Annual Leave: 24 days holiday increasing to 28 days with length of service (Plus bank holidays)
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• GymPass: a free fitness plan and access to several well-being apps for you and up to three family members.
• Cycle to work scheme: always on and up to 3k, save money, get fit and help protect the environment.
• Personal medical assessments (MOTs): open to all, carried out in the workplace by fully trained medical professionals.
• Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.