Water network operative

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course, which will teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job.

Courses include:

• construction skills
• construction operations (civil engineering)

After completing your course, you could contact water companies to find out about trainee positions.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply to a company to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Water Network Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Water Industry Network Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

Employers will set their own entry requirements for vacancies but some may prefer you to have GCSEs in English and maths.

You might have an advantage when applying, if you have experience in construction groundworks, plumbing, building services engineering or roadworks.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of public safety and security
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of maths
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of physics
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• the ability to read English
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Water network operatives lay and maintain the pipes, mains and pumping stations that supply water to homes and businesses.

As a water network operative, you could:

• set up site safety measures like traffic lights and barriers
• dig trenches by hand or with a mechanical digger
• monitor water flow and pressure data to find weak spots and leaks
• lay or repair water mains and install meters and hydrants
• detect blockages in pipes and drains and clear them
• maintain equipment and keep records of completed work

Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience and further training, you could become a:

• team supervisor
• project manager
• leakage inspector
• quality control officer

You could also work on water engineering schemes or at a treatment works.