Location
Croydon, CR0 8YY

Hours
45-hour week over four working days plus one training day, with a 7:30am start

Salary
£22,500 per annum

About the Role
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.

What you’ll be doing as a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice:
- 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

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

Experience
No prior experience required; full support and training provided throughout the apprenticeship.

About you
- Aged 18 or above
- Comfortable working outdoors in different weather conditions
- Good communication skills

Qualifications
Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1–3 (D–G) or above
Opportunity to work towards completing Level 2 English and Maths during the programme

Benefits
- 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Performance-related pay plan linked to company performance measures and targets
- Generous pension scheme through AON
- Access to a wide range of health, wellbeing, and financial benefits including annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers, and life assurance