Higher Level Scientific Apprenticeship Research & Development

Higher Level Scientific Apprenticeship Research & Development

Putting the 'H2O' into NI Water! World class scientific analysis starts here with us in NI Water's Analytical Services team.

This three-year Higher Level Scientific Apprenticeship (HLA), R&D is designed to provide you with real life, on the job experience, to help you develop new skills and gain the knowledge needed to enable you to build a successful career in NI Water.

Based within NI Water's ISO accredited scientific laboratories, this programme will provide world class training and skills development in key disciplines of microbiology, chemistry, and research and development which looks at new and innovative methods.

As part of the R&D team, you will get hands-on experience with method development, sample preparation and analysis in world class scientific instrumentation. You will also gain practical experience in developing and undertaking water quality tests. You'll learn to critically examine and look for trends in data and apply this experience, knowledge and insight to the water quality treatment process. This is essential for public health protection in Northern Ireland.

Your training will be supported by an experienced mentor with the opportunity to earn as you learn, completing a foundation degree, debt free. You'll also have the opportunity to become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry or the Royal Society of Biology.

NI Water offers a competitive salary and benefits package from day one and we will even subsidise your driving lessons to help you get into the driving seat of your career!

Upon successful completion of the programme, HLAs may have the opportunity to pursue further qualifications and you will have the opportunity to progress to junior management or senior technical roles.

Please refer to the Candidate Brief below for further details of role responsibilities.

Applicants MUST be able to demonstrate in their application and where necessary at interview:

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

1. Candidates will be required to undertake competency-based tests within a computerbased assessment. These tests will assess candidates' essential skills, literacy, numeracy and other key aptitudes for the role. In order to progress to the next stage of the selection process, candidates must achieve a satisfactory score in all key areas. All candidates must provide a personal email address on their application form which will be required to undertake the computer-based assessment skills tests.

2. By the 13th August 2026, meet all entry requirements, including attainment of the qualifications necessary for one of the accepted courses of study as set out below:

• Applied Science - Bioscience Pathway Level 5 Foundation Degree at Southern Regional College (SRC) based in Portadown foundation-degree-2

Or

• Applied Science (Bioscience) (Level 5 Foundation Degree (FdSc) at North West Regional College based in Derry

3. Have the right to live and work in the UK. Please note NI Water is unable to provide sponsorship for visa applicants, as such applicants must hold the right to work in the UK to be eligible for this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK before an offer of employment is made.

4. Access to a form of transport which will enable them to meet the requirements of the post in full, including attendance at college courses.

What is on Offer

Salary

Starting salary for the role is £23,443 per annum

Location

Westland House Laboratory, 40 Old Westland Road, Belfast, BT14 6TE (1 position)

What we Offer

• Generous annual leave and public/privilege holidays
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Hybrid Working (applicable to some of our roles after three months following onboarding and training)
• Occupational sick pay
• Employee assistance programmes
• Cycle to work scheme
• One of the largest corporate volunteering schemes in NI
• Award winning health and wellbeing programme which focuses on supporting four key area of employee health; Physical, Mental, Social and Financial

How to Apply

To submit your application, please click APPLY NOW.

For additional information about the role please download a Candidate Brief below.

Closing date for submission of Applications: 16th February 2026 at 10.00am