Apprentice Operational Technician - Waste

Severn Trent Plc; Pimley; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider in England is seeking passionate apprentices for their Operational Technician – Waste Programme. The program offers hands-on experience in monitoring and treating wastewater effectively while ensuring environmental protection. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a can-do attitude, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to learn. The apprenticeship leads to a Level 2 qualification in Water Process Operative and is designed for those eager to make a difference and grow within a supportive team. Join us to build a better future while working 37 hours a week with competitive benefits.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme (up to £1,500)

Leading pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Option to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discount

Dedicated training and development

Retail offers

Family-friendly policies

Two paid volunteering days per year

Qualifications

• Passion for environmental protection and customer service.
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness to work in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine operational tasks on treatment works.
• Treat wastewater while ensuring safety.
• Monitor and interpret wastewater samples.

Skills

Can-do attitude

Excellent communication skills

Ability to analyze information

Curiosity to learn

Resilience

Education

Level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE A-C)

Functional skills in English and Maths

Job description

Overview

LET’S CUT STRAIGHT TO IT

At Severn Trent, we believe everyone deserves more. More care for the environment, more sustainable initiatives, and more support for the communities we serve. That's why we're on a mission to deliver bigger and better things, and we need passionate apprentices like you to help us achieve our goals.

Our people and culture are the heart of our success. We're proud to be in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide for employee engagement and ranked as a Top 50 UK Employer on Glassdoor. With nearly 10,000 dedicated colleagues, we're looking for more brilliant people who are eager to turn challenges into opportunities for a better future.

If you're excited to learn, and ready to make a real impact, we want you on our team.

Programme Overview

Apprenticeship Programmes are a great way to earn and learn. Our Apprentice Operational Technician – Waste Programme offers a blend of personal and professional development, exposing you to the core of our business.

You’ll gain practical experience across teams, developing knowledge and understanding of Severn Trent and its processes. You’ll learn to communicate data effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders and spend time with the different teams within Operations.

We welcome apprentices from diverse backgrounds and will support you with varied experiences, training and development to provide a grounding for your future career.

What the Programme Will Involve

You will be based in Monkmoor, Shropshire, working with waste operational teams to take, monitor, record and interpret wastewater samples to ensure treatment processes are working effectively. You will report faults and concerns and use your expertise to identify improvements. You will focus on safe effluent discharge and optimising treatment processes while protecting the environment. You will interact with managers, waste process technicians, engineers, maintenance engineers, delivery drivers, contractors, other treatment operatives and customers (internal/external).

In this apprenticeship you will discuss your development and career ambitions in 1-1 meetings with business leads, mentors, a study buddy, the cohort leader, and the New Talent Team. You will study towards a Level 2 qualification in Water Process Operative (a standard). More information about the qualification is available via the provided link. We encourage you to read this information before applying.

What You Will Learn

• How to carry out routine daily operational tasks on treatment works, including treatment processes, security, safety, and housekeeping
• How to treat wastewater to protect the environment and escalate concerns to senior staff when this doesn’t happen
• First line maintenance and wastewater sampling
• Working safely and reporting hazards, taking appropriate action to resolve
• Safe operation of plant, assets, tools, and equipment to provide a reliable environment for wastewater treatment

What We Are Looking For

We want our employees to care and have a genuine passion for what we do. We’re looking for people who want to make a difference in delivering a vital service to our customers, now and for the long term. If you have the passion to succeed, you’ll be a great match for our programme.

• A ‘can do’ attitude with accountability for decisions and pride in your work
• A love of variety and ability to adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritise tasks and take initiative to solve problems
• Resilience to handle changing plans and situations on the front line
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multiple teams
• Ability to analyse and interpret information and communicate it to different audiences
• Ability to travel across the patch to sites, meetings and training days
• Curiosity to learn quickly in a reactive environment
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions to serve customers and protect the environment

About the Programme

Our New Talent Team will guide you and support you every step of the way. Your line manager, mentor and apprentice buddy will help you reach your full potential at Severn Trent.

Entry Criteria: This apprenticeship is Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE A-C or Grades 4-9). If you don’t already have GCSEs in English and maths, you will need to take functional skills as part of the apprenticeship, achieving Level 1 before completing the apprenticeship.

Driving Requirements: You will need a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle before you complete your apprenticeship. Some sites are remote and not serviced by public transport. You must ensure you can arrive safely at work for your start time.

You will work 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a pattern around 7am – 3.30pm, 7am – 3pm, or 8am – 4pm.

Rewards and Care

It’s not just a job—you’ll get a career. We offer a range of benefits, award-winning training, and a commitment to the environment and the community. Benefits include:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (and the option to buy/sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (up to £1,500, subject to eligibility)
• Leading pension scheme with employer contribution up to 15% (when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave – the option to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discount
• Dedicated training and development with our Academy
• Retail offers
• Family-friendly policies
• Two paid volunteering days per year

Annual salary increases apply while on programme and when moving into your first job.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to a diverse, inclusive culture and will continue to support our LGBTQ+, Women in Operations & STEM, Disability, and Ethnicity groups. Learn more about our commitments to Diversity and Inclusion at Severn Trent.

Application Timelines

• Roles close on 16th March at Midday (12pm)
• Face-to-face assessments will run from April through May 2026
• Estimated start date – September 2026

To find out more about working with us, search #LifeatSevernTrent on social media.

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement. We do not sponsor under the Skilled Worker route; candidates must demonstrate right to work without Severn Trent sponsorship.