Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Ready to own your future? At Scottish Water, our Modern Apprenticeships aren’t just about classroom learning. They’re designed to give you hands-on experience, learning real skills from the start. You’ll earn while you learn, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and build a meaningful career.
Whether you’re fresh out of school or looking to switch careers, we have opportunities that challenge, support, and help you grow.
Join our Water Network Operations team in North Ayrshire from August 2025.
What does a Water Network Operations Modern Apprentice do?
As an apprentice, you'll tackle issues like burst pipes and valve shut-offs, learning how our water network functions behind the scenes. You'll work alongside experts, maintaining pumping stations, ensuring water flow, and resolving problems. Your role will be varied, including data collection, customer queries, and ensuring the network runs smoothly. As you progress, you'll take on more responsibilities, including on-site management, safety, and compliance, ensuring communities have access to clean, reliable water.
Safety is paramount. You’ll be equipped with PPE and trained in risk assessments. Over time, you'll learn to ensure regulatory compliance, including sampling on mains, bursts, and customer complaints. This role offers a chance to learn, grow, and contribute to delivering safe water across Scotland.
Your Journey with Us
Our apprenticeships combine practical work with professional qualifications. Supported by our Skills Academy, each apprentice has a line manager and a personal assessor to guide their training and ensure high standards.
Over four years, you’ll train to become a qualified Network Service Operator, gaining skills and confidence to make a real impact. You’ll learn how to maintain infrastructure, monitor assets, respond to faults, collect data, and use technology to manage network operations safely and effectively.
Most of your time will be outdoors, but we’ll provide appropriate clothing for Scotland’s weather. You'll be part of a supportive team committed to your development, working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Once advanced enough, you may join our Out-of-Hours rota, earning extra pay for occasional outside-hours work.
What’s in it for you?
We’ll challenge and support you to develop your skills through excellent training and support. You’ll qualify with a Water Industry SVQ at SCQF Level 5/6, with options to pursue an HNC in Water Operations from Year 2, supported by our trainers and assessors.
Starting salary is £22,072, with scheduled increases, an annual bonus, and a pension scheme. Many apprentices choose to stay with us after completing their training, progressing into leadership or technical roles. You’ll be providing an essential service to Scotland, helping protect our environment, and working in a friendly, team-oriented environment.
What you’ll need
* Be at least 17 years old by 1 August 2025.
* Have a responsible attitude to learning and work.
* Ideally, have five National 4 or 5s, including English, Maths, and Science (not mandatory).
* A driving licence is useful, especially for remote locations. Support can be provided to help you obtain your licence during your first year.
A note to women considering an apprenticeship
We’re committed to increasing women’s participation in our programmes. Apprenticeships are for anyone curious, driven, and eager to learn. Our supportive team is here to help you succeed and feel included, whether in the field, lab, or office.
The not-so-small print
Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 18 May 2025. Online assessments will take place in late May/early June, with interviews in June. We aim to start apprentices on 11 August.
For more info and applications, visit: www.scottishwater.co.uk/apprentice
Start your career in Scotland’s Water Sector
Explore roles across Scotland’s water industry that make a real difference. Visit www.watercareers.scot to learn more.
A few final notes
If you don’t meet all criteria, apply anyway! Everyone learns and grows. We’re committed to accessibility and making adjustments for applicants with disabilities or life challenges. All employees must be Scottish taxpayers and reside in Scotland, or plan to move within three months of joining.
Data from previous applicants will be automatically deleted if not active in the last year.
Questions? Contact us at SWRecruitment@ScottishWater.co.uk
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