Water Utility Operations Apprenticeship

Water Utility Operations Apprenticeship

Want to be part of building a greener, healthier and stronger Northern Ireland? Come and join us! We'll provide you with industry leading skills and the experience you'll need to succeed in your career.

We currently have opportunities for self-motivated and enthusiastic Apprentices at multiple locations across Northern Ireland who are interested in making a difference to the Northern Ireland water industry and building a career with NI Water.

Come and join us as a Wastewater Utility Operations Apprentice where no two days are ever the same! You'll learn to operate and look after all the kit and assets we use for the provision of high quality wastewater services which contribute to the protection of the natural environment and comply with all regulatory and quality standards.

NI Water offers a competitive salary and benefits package from day one. You will have the opportunity to earn as you learn, working alongside highly experienced people, and gaining a professional Level 3 qualification in Wastewater Operations. You will also benefit from subsidised driving lessons to help you get into the driving seat of your career!

Our Wastewater Utility Operations Apprentices will join the Wastewater Production Line team in the Customer & Operations Directorate (C&OD). The Wastewater Production Line team is responsible for treating and processing wastewater to ensure environmental safety.

The three-year NI Water apprenticeship programme is designed to ensure you gain real life, on the job experience, developing new skills and knowledge that will support you in building a successful career with NI Water. You will also enjoy being able to share your experiences with and learn from other apprentices, colleagues and mentors.

For the first year of your apprenticeship, you'll spend your time learning the ropes, completing a rotational training programme across our wastewater functions. After this you will specialise in wastewater treatment, enabling you to become an expert in this vital work. Following completion of the apprenticeship programme, successful Apprentices will have the opportunity to move into the role of a Wastewater Treatment Technician.

Start living your future, today!

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. Be at least 16 years old on 1st September 2026

2. Candidates will be required to undertake competency-based tests within a computer-based 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.

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 sites and at training courses.

5. Must have a permanent residence within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to your nominated NI Water base, as set out below. This is required to enable NI Water to deliver effective service to customers, particularly in responding promptly to out of hours emergencies. Please note, this criterion will be assessed using the measurement of the RAC Route Planner from full postcode to full postcode via the 'shortest route' selection on the website.

Armagh - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Armagh Wastewater Treatment Works - Tassagh Road, Keady, Armagh, BT60 2RR

Belfast - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Belfast Wastewater Treatment Works - 2a Herdman Channel Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT3 9AR.

Derry - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Gelvin Grange Wastewater Treatment Works - Gelvin Grange, Irish Street, Altnagelvin, BT47 2LD

Enniskillen - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Enniskillen Wastewater Treatment Works - Lough Shore Road, Enniskillen, Fermanagh, BT74 5NH.

Larne - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Larne Wastewater Treatment Works - Redlands Road, Larne BT40 1DD.

Omagh - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Omagh Depot, 69 Gortin Road, Omagh, BT79 7HT or Silver Hill Depot, Enniskillen WWTW, Lough Shore Road, Enniskillen, BT74 5NH.

Lisburn - Within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to Lisburn Wastewater Treatment Works - 4 Hilden Road, Lisburn, Down, BT27 5WP.

What is on Offer

Salary

Starting salary for the role is £20,159

Location

Wastewater Utility Operations Apprentices will be allocated to a number of fixed and mobile rotations during their apprenticeship. They will be allocated having regard to the Apprentice's home address, and within the following general geographical areas:

• Armagh (3 positions)
• Larne (1 position)
• Lisburn (2 positions)
• Belfast (2 positions)
• Derry (1 position)
• Enniskillen (1position)
• Omagh (2 positions)

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