Apprentice Water Network Operative

Department: Field Team

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: London - Central

Reporting To: Kelly Grayland

Compensation: £28,000 / year

Apprentice Water Network Operative

Build Your Career While Helping Protect the Water Network That Serves Our Communities

Location: London and Surrounding areas

Starting Salary: £28,000

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Apprenticeship (maximum of 24 months). We are committed to developing talent and, where business needs allow, we will consider apprentices for permanent opportunities on successful completion of the programme.

Make a Real Difference Every Day

Every day, millions of people rely on safe, clean drinking water. This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to start or develop a practical career in the water industry while gaining valuable experience and an industry-recognised qualification.

As an Apprentice Water Network Operative, you will learn how to maintain and protect the water distribution network, helping to ensure customers receive a reliable water supply while developing the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to succeed in the role.

If you enjoy practical problem-solving, working outdoors and learning as part of a skilled operational team, we would love to hear from you. Previous water industry experience is not essential; what matters most is your commitment to safety, learning and providing an excellent service.

About the Role

As an Apprentice Water Network Operative, you will work within our field team and learn through a combination of practical, on-the-job experience, mentoring and structured study. You will support a range of activities that help maintain network performance, water quality and customer service.

Applicants must work towards and successfully achieve the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Water Distribution. We will provide structured learning, practical experience and support throughout the programme.

You will carry out operational activities including:

• Water quality sampling
• Spot flushing activities
• Logger installation and retrieval
• Asset inspections and checks
• Mains tracing activities
• Network investigations
• Supporting mains isolation activities
• Recording operational information using digital systems
• Supporting planned and emergency operational work

This is a field-based role. You will initially work under appropriate supervision and take on greater responsibility as your competence develops. The role requires safe working, technical awareness and a commitment to learning and delivering excellent service.

What Success Looks Like

As a successful Apprentice Water Network Operative, you will:

• Work safely and follow operational procedure
• Develop the competence to deliver high-quality operational activities with increasing independence
• Protect drinking water quality
• Maintain accurate records and reporting
• Support customers and communities professionally
• Contribute positively to team objectives
• Make successful progress towards the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Water Distribution

Essential Requirements

• A full UK driving licence.
• A strong commitment to health and safety.
• Good communication skills and a positive approach to teamwork.
• Basic IT and data-recording skills.
• The ability to follow instructions, learn from feedback and take increasing responsibility as your skills develop.
• The ability to meet the apprenticeship programme's eligibility and learning requirements.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

Previous experience is not essential, but we welcome applications from candidates who have worked in or gained exposure to:

• Water industry operations
• Utilities
• Civil engineering
• Construction
• Highways maintenance
• Environmental services
• Field operations

The following would be advantageous:

• EUSR National Water Hygiene
• NRSWA Signing, Lighting & Guarding
• First Aid qualification
• Experience using field-based equipment and mobile technology

What We Offer

Structured Development

You will receive structured on-the-job training, mentoring and protected learning to help you build competence in the role and achieve the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Water Distribution.

Career Progression

1 Apprentice Water Network Operative

2 Water Network Operative

3 Technical Development

4 Water Network Technician

5 Water Network Specialist

6 Field Team Supervisor

7 Operations Manager

Additional Benefits

• Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays*
• Benenden Health & Lifestyle rewards scheme: private healthcare, 24/7 GP and retail discounts.
• Pension contributions above statutory minimum.
• Support for professional development: funding for qualifications and memberships.
• Annual salary reviews and performance appraisals

Why Join Veriflo?

Our people’s experience has earned Veriflo Great Place To Work Certification and recognition on the 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces for Development list, celebrating organisations that create outstanding opportunities for employees to learn, grow and thrive.

If you are ready to learn, gain hands-on experience and build a long-term career in the water industry, we would love to hear from you. Every apprentice is expected to work towards and successfully achieve the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Water Distribution, and this is your opportunity to develop alongside a supportive team.

Apply today to begin your career as an Apprentice Water Network Operative and help us protect and maintain one of our most important assets, our water network.

All offers are subject to DBS checks and Drug & Alcohol Testing.

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Important information

Celnor Group and its businesses manage recruitment directly. We do not require agency support for this role and will only engage with recruitment partners from our preferred supplier list where necessary.

We may use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to support parts of the recruitment process. AI is not used for candidate screening, scoring or hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by people, for people. Our recruitment systems are ISO 42001 accredited, reflecting our commitment to ethical, transparent and responsible use of technology.