Water Utility Operations Apprenticeship
Want to be part of building a greener, healthier and stronger Northern Ireland? Come and join us! We’ll provide you with industry leading skills and the experience you’ll need to succeed in your career.
We currently have opportunities for self-motivated and enthusiastic Apprentices at multiple locations across Northern Ireland, who are interested in making a difference to the Northern Ireland water industry and building a career with NI Water.
Come and join us as a Water Utility Operations Apprentice where no two days are ever the same! You’ll learn to operate and look after all the kit and assets we use to produce, treat and deliver water to homes and businesses across the Northern Ireland.
NI Water offers a competitive salary and benefits package from day one. You will have the opportunity to learn alongside highly experienced people, while earning as you learn and gaining a professional Level 3 qualification in Water Operations. You will also benefit from subsidised driving lessons to help you truly get in the driving seat of your career!
Our Water Utility Operations Apprentices will join the Water Production Line team in the Customer & Operations Directorate (C&OD). The Water Production Line team is responsible for the treatment and distribution of potable water supplying our customers with the water they need to live and thrive.
The three-year NI Water apprenticeship programme is designed to ensure you gain real life, on the job experience, developing new skills and knowledge that will support you in building a successful career with NI Water. You will also enjoy being able to share your experiences and learn from other apprentices, colleagues and assigned personal mentors.
For the first year of your apprenticeship, you’ll spend your time learning the ropes, completing a rotational training programme across our water functions. After this you will specialise in water distribution, enabling you to become an expert in this vital work.
Following completion of the apprenticeship programme, successful Apprentices will have the opportunity to move into the role of a Water Network Technician.
Start living your future, today!
Please refer to the Candidate Brief below for further details of role responsibilities.
Applicants MUST be able to demonstrate in their application and where necessary at interview:
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
1. Be at least 16 years old on 1st September 2025
2. Candidates will be required to undertake competency-based tests within a computer-based assessment. These tests will assess candidates’ essential skills, literacy, numeracy and other key aptitudes for the role. In order to progress to the next stage of the selection process, candidates must achieve a satisfactory score in all key areas.
All candidates must provide a personal email address on their application form which will be required to undertake the computer-based assessment skills tests.
3. Be medically fit to undertake relevant training e.g. working in confined spaces.
(Please note that due to Health & Safety regulations there is a maximum weight limit of 120kgs, for confined space work).
4. Have the right to live and work in the UK. Please note NI Water is unable to provide sponsorship for visa applicants, as such applicants must hold the right to work in the UK to be eligible for this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK before an offer of employment is made.
5. When 17+ years, you must be willing to undertake driving lessons and successfully pass your driving test within 12 months, or alternatively hold a full driving licence.
6. Must have a permanent residence within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to your nominated NI Water base, as set out below. This is required to enable NI Water to deliver effective service to customers, particularly in responding promptly to out of hours emergencies. Please note, this criterion will be assessed using the measurement of the RAC Route Planner from full postcode to full postcode via the ‘shortest route’ selection on the website.
Belfast - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Bretland House, 115-121 Duncrue Street, Belfast, BT3 9JS or Drumaroad WTW, Drumaroad Hill, Castlewellan, BT31 9PD.
Derry - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Caugh Hill WTW, Banagher Road, Dungiven, BT47 4TX or Altnahinch WTW, Altnahinch Road, Loughguile, BT44 9JS
Newry - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Carnbane (Newry Depot), Shepherds Way, Newry, BT35 6EE.
Omagh - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Omagh Depot, 69 Gortin Road, Omagh, BT79 7HT or Silver Hill Depot, Enniskillen WWTW, Lough Shore Road, Enniskillen, BT74 5NH.
What is on Offer
Salary
Starting salary for the role is £18,818 per annum (pay award pending)
Location
Water Utility Operations Apprentices will be allocated to a number of fixed and mobile rotations during their apprenticeship. They will be allocated having regard to the Apprentice’s home address, and within the following general geographical areas:
- Belfast (up to 6 positions)
- Gelvin Grange, Derry (1 position)
- Newry (2 position)
- Omagh (3 position)
What we Offer
- Generous annual leave and public/privilege holidays
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Hybrid Working (applicable to some of our roles after three months following onboarding and training)
- Occupational sick pay
- Employee assistance programmes
- Cycle to work scheme
- One of the largest corporate volunteering schemes in NI
- Award winning health and wellbeing programme which focuses on supporting four key area of employee health; Physical, Mental, Social and Financial
How to Apply
To submit your application, please click APPLY NOW.
For additional information about the role please download a Candidate Brief from the Additional Documents section below.
Closing date for submission of Applications: Monday 24th February 2025 10.00am