What roles are on offer
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
What we do
It’s decision time. Whether you’ve just finished school or are about to complete college, you’re thinking about what’s next for you. Where to start your career. How to get your foot in the door of a company that shares your values and actively strives to make the world a better place. If you’re considering starting your career in the water industry, we’re proud to offer a range of award-winning apprenticeship opportunities for people just like you.
Ready to make a splash? To discover what you can do, #JustAddWater.
The format of our apprenticeship programme
Whether you want to get hands-on with an operational apprenticeship or gain vital office experience, our apprenticeships last a minimum of 18 months and give you the opportunity to earn while you learn.
Entry requirements
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for open-minded, creative team players from all sorts of backgrounds to join our Apprenticeship Programme. Because we know that building a diverse, progressive workforce is key to our future success.
So, if you’re curious about environmental work and eager to get stuck into a role where you can really make an impact, dive in.
Our recruitment process
We usually recruit for our Operational Apprentice Programme during February and August, for June and December intakes. However, if you’re interested in joining us outside of these intakes, you can register your interest here. For all other programmes, we recruit for apprentices on an adhoc basis. Discover our current vacancies or register your interest for future opportunities.
If we’re impressed by your application, we’ll contact you to arrange an interview.
If your initial interview goes well, we may invite you back for a second interview so you can meet more of the team.
We’ll contact you after your interview(s) to let you know if you’ve been successful.
If you’re successful, you’ll begin your onboarding program with us.
OUR PEOPLE
Meet the team
Saffron
“After completing my A-Levels, I joined the SWW Finance Development Program. During this time I completed my Level 4 Finance Apprenticeship and gained experience in seven Finance departments across Pennon and South West Water. After completing my Level 4 Apprenticeship I began my level 7 Apprenticeship, studying ACA and went on to gain a full-time position in Internal Audit. As a Finance Development Program Graduate, I now help the new Finance Apprentices with any mentoring and guidance they need as they find their feet within the business.”
Lydia
“Having been a Retail Manager for 8 years, I joined South West Water’s Apprenticeship scheme because I wanted to broaden my industry knowledge. I’m currently a Level 3 Waste Water Technician and my favourite thing about my job is that every day brings new challenges. South West Water is a very flexible company and I know that there are plenty of opportunities for me to build a career here.”
Clifford
“I've always enjoyed fault-finding and repairing things. As an Instrumentation Control and Automation Technician at South West Water, I get to do this on a daily basis with a huge range of equipment, in a wide range of locations - from beaches to hill tops, underground stations to dams. The work I do directly impacts water quality as control teams, scientists and operators all rely on the equipment we maintain to carry out their jobs effectively. Moments on the front line, diagnosing and repairing the fault and getting everything flowing again always provides great job satisfaction.”
Scott
“Having decided that university wasn’t for me, South West Water’s unique apprenticeship stood out as it gave me the opportunity to learn on the job while studying for my accountancy qualification. I would highly recommend working at South West Water because it’s full of amazing people and you’re given plenty of support as an apprentice. On top of this, there are loads of opportunities for you to find yourself a career path here as every six months you rotate into a different team. The company is also doing its best to minimise the impact it has on the world, with a plan to be carbon net-zero by 2030.”
FAQs
Do I need to have a full driving licence?
For office-based roles, a driving licence is not required. If you are in an operational role, then you must work towards getting your licence by the end of your apprenticeship.
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Anyone, of any age, from any background! We have hired apprentices aged from 16 to 60 – it’s more about your attitude and desire to succeed than it is your previous experience.
I require reasonable adjustments to complete the online assessment. How can I let you know about the requirements I have?
If you have a disability or any special requirements which make it difficult for you to apply online, please contact our recruiter named in the job advert who’ll be able to assist.
I have special requirements for the interview/application process, how can I request these?
You can confirm these at the point of being offered an interview.
Do you provide interview feedback?
We provide feedback following face-to-face interviews. It’ll be constructive and honest.
When would I start my apprenticeship?
It depends when you are hired and when you start your role. We have a number of different providers that we work with. Typically our apprenticeships run to the academic year (September starts) but this can vary, with start times happening throughout the year.
How long does the application process take?
We typically recruit over a 3-month period, from the point of advertising the role to the successful candidate starting.