Repair & Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprentice

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.

• 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

Location:

Datchet, SL4 6HW

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

• 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

• 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 linkedto 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, shoppingvouchersand life assurance.

Find out more aboutourbenefits and perks

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.

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.