Water industry asset maintenance technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 4 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A water industry asset maintenance technician inspects, maintains, and repairs the physical infrastructure of water and wastewater networks - including pipes, pumps, treatment plant, and storage assets. You will work in the field and at treatment sites to keep assets functioning safely and efficiently, extending their life and preventing failures. It is a technically skilled role within a regulated essential-services industry with strong career progression.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How water and wastewater treatment and distribution assets function
Inspection and condition assessment methods for pipes and structures
Planned and reactive maintenance techniques for pumps and mechanical plant
Health and safety for confined-space and lone working environments
Asset management principles and use of computerised maintenance systems
Water industry regulations and quality and environmental standards
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out routine inspections of water mains, sewers, and pumping stations
Perform planned maintenance on mechanical and electrical plant
Identify and report defects using handheld devices and asset management software
Assist with repair or replacement of failing pipes and valves
Follow confined-space entry procedures when working in chambers
Complete accurate maintenance records after each task
Respond to reactive callouts and help restore service quickly
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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