Overview
As a Level 3 Apprentice Field Service Engineer - Electrical (Water) you'll learn how to:
* Install, repair and maintain our electrical equipment, and understand refurbishing and replacing water assets to keep services running smoothly for customers
* Work as part of a dedicated team focused on ensuring our plants operate at maximum efficiency
* Work with a wide range of equipment, identify faults and carry out routine maintenance in line with health and safety standards
* Schedule maintenance activity and organise workload, working in accordance with water industry standards and regulatory requirements
* Plan maintenance work with consideration for process safety, risk assessments, environmental impact and water treatment or wastewater recycling
* Identify and organise resources to complete tasks with consideration for process, cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact
* Follow health and safety procedures and safe systems of work, including PPE
* Comply with sustainability principles and segregate waste for recycling, reuse or disposal
* Select, check, store and maintain equipment and tools
* Restore the work area on completion of the activity
* Communicate in writing and record information (paper-based or electronic), e.g. job sheets, risk assessments, service records, test results and handover documents
* Collect, interpret and use data using information and digital technology; comply with GDPR and cybersecurity regulations
* Apply equity, diversity and inclusion policies and practices
* Apply teamwork, continuous improvement techniques and propose improvements
* Provide support and technical advice to technical and non-technical colleagues and stakeholders
* Carry out and record learning and development activities
* Comply with security procedures, site access, document classification and asset security
Technical responsibilities
* Electrical: Install, commission and decommission cabling and electrical equipment
* Electrical: Apply electrical theories, repair and maintenance practices, and modify electrical circuits
* Electrical: Interrogate information on intelligent control equipment (PLCs, HMIs, Intelligent Starters, VSDs); fault finding with diagnostic equipment
* Electrical: Use tools, equipment, resources and components for installation, repair and maintenance
* Electrical: Isolate equipment for maintenance, including permits and lock-off systems
* Electrical: Inspect and test electrical installations and equipment; use electrical drawings
* Electrical: Install and terminate cable types to specifications
* Electrical: Use mathematical theory; identify problems, investigate causes and identify solutions
* ICA (Instrumentation and Control): Install, commission and decommission ICA equipment; configure instrumentation and control devices
* ICA: Calibrate and monitor open and closed loop systems; fault finding and diagnostic techniques
* ICA: Inspect and test ICA equipment; interpret design specifications, plans and drawings; calibrate ICA equipment
* ICA: Isolate equipment for maintenance with permits and lock-off systems; install and terminate cables
* ICA: Test telemetry signals and configure outstations; use software to produce programs for control systems
* ICA: Assess equipment condition and determine actions; analyze data to drive evidence-based changes
* Mechanical: Commission and decommission mechanical equipment; assemble and install equipment or components
* Mechanical: Disconnect, remove, repair and maintain mechanical systems; use tools and equipment for installation and maintenance
* Mechanical: Isolate plant and equipment for maintenance, including permits, safe isolation, lock-off and depressurisation of systems
* Mechanical: Inspect and test mechanical systems; fault finding and diagnostics; fabrications and basic fabrication techniques
* Mechanical: Use manufacturing instructions, drawings and specifications; apply basic fabrication, welding and thermal cutting; bench fitting
* Mechanical: Use machinery (lathes, drills, milling machines, etc.)
* Mechanical: Apply mechanical theories and mathematics
Program and environments
* Work in line with water industry standards and regulatory requirements
* Plan maintenance work with process safety and environmental considerations
* Identify and organise resources to complete tasks with attention to process, cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact
* Follow health and safety procedures and safe systems of work, including PPE
* Comply with sustainability principles and waste segregation
* Restore the work area after activity
* Communicate and record information in writing; manage documents and records securely
* Comply with GDPR and cybersecurity regulations and policies
* Apply equity, diversity and inclusion, teamwork and continuous improvement practices
* Provide technical updates and support to colleagues and stakeholders
* Carry out and record learning and development activities
* Comply with security procedures for site access and asset protection
Qualifications and additional requirements
* GCSEs: 5 GCSEs minimum or equivalent (grade A-C or 9-4), including Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject
* Other relevant qualifications and industry experience may be considered
* Communication, problem solving and teamwork skills
* Share other relevant qualifications and experience as part of your application
Location, training and benefits
* During your first year, you’ll spend 3 days per week over an 8-month duration during term time at the Bolton Technical Training Centre
* If you do not live nearby, accommodation will be reimbursed/provided during this period by United Utilities (excluding weekends)
* Induction includes a five-day residential trip to the Lake District
* Accommodation and boarding will be provided
* During your apprenticeship you may need to travel to your place of study; accommodation will be provided or reimbursed if not local
* Travel requirements and staying away from home should be considered if applicable
* Wage: £20,000 per year, with potential increases based on performance
* Hours: Monday to Friday during training period; after apprenticeship, joining a standby rota with possible out-of-hours work
* Start date: Wednesday 2 September 2026; Duration: 4 years
* Employer: United Utilities, North West England; opportunity to develop skills in water and wastewater services
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