Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Ready to own your future?At Scottish Water, our Modern Apprenticeshipsaren’taboutjustsitting in classrooms all day.They’redesigned to get you out there, hands-on, learning real skills from the start.You’llearn while you learn, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and build a career thatactually matters.
Fresh out of school? Ready for a career switch? Whatever your story,we’vegot opportunities that challenge you, support you, and help you grow.
Join ourWater Treatmentteam inCamphill andMuirdykesfromAugust 2026.
What doesa Water TreatmentModern Apprentice do?
As a Water Treatment Modern Apprentice,you’lllearn how we keep Scotland’s water safe, clean, and reliable.You’llwork with an experienced team, gaining hands-on experience in treating andmaintainingwater supplies from reservoirs to taps.
You’llhelpmonitorand maintain water quality at our treatment works. From calibrating monitors to adjusting mechanical and chemical processes,you’llmake sure everything runs smoothly.You’lllearn to recordand review water quality results-checking pH, chlorine, aluminium, and phosphatelevels - andspot anything that needs attention.
Safety comes first.You’llbe fully kitted out withPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)and trained to carry out risk assessments. Routine inspections of plants, reservoirs, and dams will be part of your day, along with following strict health and safety protocols.
This is your chance to learn, grow, and play a key role in delivering safe, fresh water to communities acrossScotland - whilehelping us set standards that go beyondwhat’sexpected.
Yourjourney withus
Modern Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning, with the opportunity to completevocationalqualifications. 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.
Overthreeyears,you’llreceive dedicated training to become a fully qualifiedWater Treatment Operator, gaining the skills and confidence to make a real impact.
1. How to effectively treat high volumes of water to make it safe
2. How tomonitorassets like reservoirs and drainage systems
3. How to collect and test water samples
4. How tomonitorand analyse readings from the meters and gauges on site and spot malfunctions
5. How to use the software,appsand technology we use tomonitorthe water supply
6. How 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 asbad weather, just inappropriate clothing. So,we’llmake sureyou’rekitted out for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
You’llbe 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.
Onceyou’vereached a certain point in your training,you’llbe included in our Out-of-Hoursrota. That means you might occasionally be called into work outside your normal hours to investigate or fix a problem.You’llearn some extra money each month for this, whetheryou’recalled in or not.
What’sin it for you?
You’llchallenge and stretch yourself.We’rehere 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 6. From your2ndyear,you’llget theoptionto do an HNCin Water Operations. And be supported through your qualification by trainers and assessors from our in-house Skills Academy.
Earn as you learn.You’llstart on£24,352, with clear, scheduled pay increases as you reach key milestones throughout your training.You’llalso be eligible for an annual bonus and a great pension scheme.
Job security.The vast majority ofour 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 technicalexpertise.
You’llbe providing an essential service to Scotland and your local community, helping to protect our natural environment.
And the best bit?You’llbe working as part of a friendly, close-knit team that genuinely wants to see you succeed - and who make coming into work fun.
Whatyou’llneed
7. You need to be at least 17 years old by 1 August 2026.
8. A responsible attitude to learning and work is essential.You’llbe someone people can trust and rely on.
9. Ideally,you’llhave five National 4 or 5s (or similar). English, Maths and Science are particularly helpful, but theyaren’ta dealbreaker.
10. A driving licence would be useful-especially in some of our more remote locations-but we know that lessons and tests are expensive. If youhaven’thad the chance to pass your test, we can provide support to help you get your licence during your first year with us.
In terms of requirements?That’sit.
Buthere’sthe thing: We get thousands of applications for our apprentice roles each year. What makes the best candidates stand out?
Here are a few things we love to see:
11. CVs that tell us more than what qualifications you have gained. Show us what you love. What are your aspirations?
12. Cover letters that tell us whyyou’reinterested in Scottish Water (and in this role particularly). We recommend including cover letters in the same document as your CV.
Anote towomenconsidering anapprenticeship
We’reproud to see more women joining our apprenticeship programmes every year,butthere’sstill work to do. Women are underrepresented in some of these roles, andwe’recommitted to changing that.
Ifyou’rereading this and wondering if an apprenticeship is right for you,here’sthe answer: it is.
Apprenticeships are for anyone with curiosity, drive, and a willingness to learn. If that sounds like you,we’dlove to see you apply.
At Scottish Water,you’llfind a supportive network of women and menwho’vegot your back. Whetheryou’reout in the field, in the lab, or in the office,you’llbe part of a teamthat’shere to help you grow, succeed, and feel like you belong - because you do.
The not-so-small print
We’reaccepting applications untilmidnight on Sunday22 March2026.
There will be some fun (no, honestly!) online assessment activityinApril.Interviews will happen duringMay andJune. Andwe’reaiming to get all our new apprentices startedinAugust.
A few final things worth knowing…
Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t 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 don’t 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. We’re very used to making adjustments, so please don’t be afraid to ask.
As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you'll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.
Please note, Scottish Water takes the safety, health and wellbeing of our employees, colleagues and customers very seriously and as such you may be subject to Drug & Alcohol testing in line with our policy.
Finally (finally!), candidates who haven’t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You won’t need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.