HomeWessex WaterEarly careersTechnical apprenticeshipsMainlaying Apprentice

About the role

You will join one of our teams responsible for renewing and replacing the 40,000km of water mains and sewer pipes within our region.

During your apprenticeship, you will learn a variety of mainlaying techniques and methods, as well as becoming experienced in operating machinery and using manual tools.

Using the very latest ‘no-dig’ technology to reduce the waste in landfills, you’ll be responsible for replacing old water pipes to meet our commitment to reduce leakage and improve water quality.

This is a hands-on role requiring you to work outdoors in all types of weather You will carry out both planned and reactive work and will learn how to complete jobs in the most effective way.

What you'll do

  • Construct new main pipes using both excavation and ‘no-dig’ methods.
  • Install stop taps, fire hydrants and sluice valves on clean water pipes.
  • Install drains sewers, flow control devices and storage tanks for wastewater networks.
  • Learn about mechanical coupling or heat fusing to join pipes together.
  • Work safely to modern highway standards.
  • Use trace and locating equipment.

Skills and values we are looking for

  • Communication.
  • Teamwork.
  • IT/digital.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Safety-focused.
  • Organisation.
  • Problem solving.
  • Numeracy.
  • Logic.
  • Decision making.
  • Initiative.
  • Critical thinking.

Where you'll work

As every day is different, your location will also be different, but you will be within 90 minutes of home and will work in one of our local teams. 

What you'll need

  • Willingness to learn.
  • Good computer literacy.
  • The ability to work in a small team.
  • Enjoy working outdoors.
  • An interest in engineering or construction.
  • The ability to talk with customers politely.

Further information

Duration

  • Two years plus end point assessment.

Qualifications you'll gain

  • Water Networks Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship.
  • SHEA card.
  • Water Hygiene card.
  • Street works.

Training provision

  • Training will be delivered by Bridgwater and Taunton College.
  • Block release – two weeks every two months.
  • Residential.
  • Classroom and practical.
  • On site assessor visits.