Job Description

Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.Ready to own your future? At Scottish Water, our Modern Apprenticeships arenxe2x80x99t about just sitting in classrooms all day. Theyxe2x80x99re designed to get you out there, hands-on, learning real skills from the start. Youxe2x80x99ll 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, wexe2x80x99ve got opportunities that challenge you, support you, and help you grow.Join our Water Network Operations team in North Ayrshire from August 2025.What does a Water Network Operations Modern Apprentice do?As a Water Network Operations Modern Apprentice, youxe2x80x99ll 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. Youxe2x80x99ll 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. Youxe2x80x99ll jump in to help gather important data, solve customer queries, and pitch in to make sure the network keeps running smoothly. As you progress, youxe2x80x99ll 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. Youxe2x80x99ll 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 whatxe2x80x99s expected.Your Journey with UsModern 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, youxe2x80x99ll 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 smoothlyHow to monitor and inspect key network assets like pipes, valves, and pumping stationsHow to identify and respond to network faults, including burst pipes and leaksHow to collect and record data on network performance, helping to identify areas for improvementHow to use the tools and technology to track, manage, and report on network operationsHow 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, wexe2x80x99ll make sure youxe2x80x99re kitted out for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.Youxe2x80x99ll 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 youxe2x80x99ve reached a certain point in your training, youxe2x80x99ll 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. Youxe2x80x99ll earn some extra money each month for this, whether youxe2x80x99re called in or not.Whatxe2x80x99s in it for you?Youxe2x80x99ll challenge and stretch yourself. Wexe2x80x99re 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, youxe2x80x99ll 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. Youxe2x80x99ll start on xc2xa322,072, with clear, scheduled pay increases as you reach key milestones throughout your training. Youxe2x80x99ll 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.Youxe2x80x99ll be providing an essential service to Scotland and your local community, helping to protect our natural environment.And the best bit? Youxe2x80x99ll 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 youxe2x80x99ll needYou need to be at least 17 years old by 1 August 2025.A responsible attitude to learning and work is essential. Youxe2x80x99ll be someone people can trust and rely on.Ideally, youxe2x80x99ll have five National 4 or 5s (or similar). English, Maths and Science are particularly helpful, but they arenxe2x80x99t 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 havenxe2x80x99t 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 ApprenticeshipWexe2x80x99re proud to see more women joining our apprenticeship programmes every year - but we know therexe2x80x99s still work to do. Women are underrepresented in some of these roles, and wexe2x80x99re committed to changing that.If youxe2x80x99re reading this and wondering if an apprenticeship is right for you, herexe2x80x99s the answer: it is. Donxe2x80x99t 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, wexe2x80x99d love to see you apply.At Scottish Water, youxe2x80x99ll find a supportive network of women and men whoxe2x80x99ve got your back. Whether youxe2x80x99re out in the field, in the lab, or in the office, youxe2x80x99ll be part of a team thatxe2x80x99s here to help you grow, succeed, and feel like you belong - because you do.The not-so-small printWexe2x80x99re 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 wexe2x80x99re 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 Scotlandxe2x80x99s Water SectorInterested in learning more about career opportunities that make a real difference? Explore hands-on roles across leading employers in Scotlandxe2x80x99s 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 knowingxe2x80xa6Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If youxe2x80x99re interested in this job, but donxe2x80x99t 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 donxe2x80x99t 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. Wexe2x80x99re very used to making adjustments, so please donxe2x80x99t be afraid to ask.As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, itxe2x80x99s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you donxe2x80x99t already live here, you'll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.Finally (finally!), candidates who havenxe2x80x99t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You wonxe2x80x99t need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.Wexe2x80x99re here to help. Ask us anything at

Scottish Water