Repair & Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship - Kidlington, Highworth

Repair & Maintenance Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship - Kidlington, Highworth

Ready to get hands-on and make a real impact?

As a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice, you’ll work on-site, learning to build, fix, and maintain the pipes and networks that keep homes and businesses supplied with clean water. You’ll gain experience in both planned upgrades and emergency response, all while working towards a Level 2 Water Network Operative qualification and building a long-term career with plenty of progression opportunities

What you’ll be doing as a Repair and Maintenance Apprentice:

• Gain hands-on experience with the water team while being fully supported throughout your apprenticeship
• Track and repair leaks and bursts; replace valves, hydrants, and stop taps; clear blockages; install and maintain meters and flow devices
• Set up traffic control and safety barriers; ensure digs and reinstatements are safe and tidy
• Operate diggers, tools, and other powered equipment
• Keep accurate job logs and safety records
• Work outdoors in all weather, across streets, homes, and building sites; shifts, standby callouts, and physically demanding tasks, sometimes in tight spaces
• Develop skills in clean-water network operations, safe digging, digital flow monitoring, teamwork, and communication

Where you’ll work:

• Location: Kidlington, Highworth
• Hours: 45-hour week over four working days plus one training day, with a 7:30am start
• Start date: May 2026

Training and qualification

You’ll study with Watertrain, one of the UK’s leading water training providers, with 2-day block release training each month at a Thames Water site.

Qualification achieved: Water network operative Level 2 standard

Duration: Permanent contract with a 15–18-month structured programme

What you should bring to the role:

• Level 1 English and Maths or GCSE grades 1–3 (D–G) or above
• Aged 18 or above
• Comfortable with working outdoors in different weather conditions
• Good communication skills

What’s in it for you?

• Excellent salary: £22,500 annum
• Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Work towards completing Level 2 English and Maths during the programme
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us?

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.