Water industry network technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 2.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A water industry network technician operates and maintains the pipe networks that carry clean water to homes and businesses, or transport wastewater to treatment works. You will locate faults, carry out repairs, and keep the network running efficiently while meeting strict quality and safety standards. This level 3 standard leads to technical specialist or supervisory roles within regulated water companies.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How water distribution or wastewater collection networks are designed and operate
Pipe materials, joints, valves, and how to identify network faults
Leakage detection, pressure management, and network monitoring techniques
Safe working on live distribution mains including water quality protection
Use of network mapping systems, GPS, and telemetry data
Relevant health and safety legislation including excavation and traffic management
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Locate and mark up buried water or sewer pipes before excavation
Repair burst mains, leaking joints, and faulty valves in the field
Flush and disinfect repaired sections of distribution main
Take water samples to verify quality after network interventions
Log all works in the network management system
Set up traffic management and safe working zones on the highway
Respond to customer reports of low pressure or discolouration
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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