Job Description

Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Ready to own your future? At Scottish Water, our Modern Apprenticeships arent about just sitting in classrooms all day. Theyre designed to get you out there, hands-on, learning real skills from the start. Youll earn while you learn, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and build a career that actually matters.
Fresh out of school? Ready for a career switch? Whatever your story, weve got opportunities that challenge you, support you, and help you grow.
Join our Water Network Operations team in Lanarkshire rom August 2025.
What does a Water Network Operations Modern Apprentice do?
As a Water Network Operations Modern Apprentice, youll dive straight into the action, tackling everything from burst pipes to valve shut offs, all while learning how our water network works behind the scenes. Youll work alongside experts, getting hands-on experience with maintaining pumping stations, keeping the water flowing, and fixing problems as they arise.
No two days will be the same. Youll jump in to help gather important data, solve customer queries, and pitch in to make sure the network keeps running smoothly. As you progress, youll take on more responsibility - helping to manage on-site tasks, keeping everything safe and compliant, and making sure communities always have clean, reliable water.
Safety comes first. Youll be fully kitted out with PPE and trained to carry out risk assessments. Over time, you'll learn how to ensure compliance with regulations, including carrying out sampling on mains, bursts, and customer complaints.
This is your chance to learn, grow, and play a key role in delivering safe, fresh water to communities across Scotland - while helping us set standards that go beyond whats expected.
Your Journey with Us
Modern Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning, with the opportunity to complete professional qualifications. Supported by our in-house Skills Academy team, each apprentice has both a day-to-day line manager, and a personal assessor who supports them through their qualification and ensures their training is of the highest standard.
Over four years, youll receive dedicated training to become a fully qualified Network Service Operator, gaining the skills and confidence to make a real impact.
How to maintain and repair water and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring everything runs smoothly
How to monitor and inspect key network assets like pipes, valves, and pumping stations
How to identify and respond to network faults, including burst pipes and leaks
How to collect and record data on network performance, helping to identify areas for improvement
How to use the tools and technology to track, manage, and report on network operations
How to work in a way that keeps you and your colleagues safe and healthy.
A lot of your time will be spent outdoors. But in Scotland we all know that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. So, well make sure youre kitted out for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
Youll be part of an expert, experienced team who will support you to develop your skills and knowledge while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. This is your chance to earn as you learn, working with industry-leading teams to help deliver services that are essential to the daily lives of the people of Scotland.
Once youve reached a certain point in your training, youll be included in our Out-of-Hours rota. That means you might occasionally be called into work outside your normal hours to investigate or fix a problem. Youll earn some extra money each month for this, whether youre called in or not.
Whats in it for you?
Youll challenge and stretch yourself. Were here to help you make the most of your skills and abilities with first-class training, support, and a big investment in your development.
You will qualify with a Water Industry SVQ at SCQF Level 5/6. From your 2nd year, youll get the option to do an HNC in Water Operations. And be supported through your qualification by trainers and assessors from our in-house Skills Academy.
Earn as you learn. Youll start on 322,072, with clear, scheduled pay increases as you reach key milestones throughout your training. Youll also be eligible for an annual bonus and a great pension scheme.
Job security. The vast majority of our apprentices choose to stay with us after completing their programmes. Many people even spend their entire careers with us! Some go on to become team leaders or managers, while others focus on honing their technical expertise.
Youll be providing an essential service to Scotland and your local community, helping to protect our natural environment.
And the best bit? Youll be working as part of a friendly, close-knit team that genuinely wants to see you succeed - and who make coming into work fun.
What youll need
You need to be at least 17 years old by 1 August 2025.
A responsible attitude to learning and work is essential. Youll be someone people can trust and rely on.
Ideally, youll have five National 4 or 5s (or similar). English, Maths and Science are particularly helpful, but they arent a dealbreaker.
A driving licence would be useful - especially in some of our more remote locations - but we know that lessons and tests are expensive. If you havent had the chance to pass your test, we can provide support to help you get your licence during your first year with us.
A Note to Women Considering an Apprenticeship
Were proud to see more women joining our apprenticeship programmes every year - but we know theres still work to do. Women are underrepresented in some of these roles, and were committed to changing that.
If youre reading this and wondering if an apprenticeship is right for you, heres the answer: it is. Dont let outdated ideas about who belongs in certain jobs hold you back.
Apprenticeships are for anyone with curiosity, drive, and a willingness to learn. If that sounds like you, wed love to see you apply.
At Scottish Water, youll find a supportive network of women and men whove got your back. Whether youre out in the field, in the lab, or in the office, youll be part of a team thats here to help you grow, succeed, and feel like you belong - because you do.
The not-so-small print
Were accepting applications until midnight on Sunday, 18 May 2025.
There will be some fun (no, honestly!) online assessment activity during late May/early June. Interviews will happen during June. And were aiming to get all our new apprentices started on the 11 August.
For more information on our apprentice programmes and applications please visit our website:
Start your career in Scotlands Water Sector
Interested in learning more about career opportunities that make a real difference? Explore hands-on roles across leading employers in Scotlands water sector. Make an impact on communities, the environment, and public health while securing a sustainable future for Scotland. Visit today.
A few final things worth knowingxe2x80xa6
Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If youre interested in this job, but dont tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So dont rule yourself out!
Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We're also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. Were very used to making adjustments, so please dont be afraid to ask.
As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, its important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you dont already live here, you'll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.
Finally (finally!), candidates who havent submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You wont need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.
Were here to help. Ask us anything at