Digital OT Apprentice - Level 6

You’ll be joining our Operational Technology team whose purpose is to maintain all connected assets and their respective data journeys. This includes field assets through the local sites' networks and infrastructures, into local historians and then through to cloud data lakes.

Our over-arching diversity and inclusion aim is to ensure Thames Water is a diverse and inclusive great place to work. We encourage applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process.

Start date: 1st September 2025
Base Location: Reading Sewer Treatment Works, RG2 0RP
Working hours: 36 hours Monday- Friday
Programme Length: 48-54 Months

Training provider details: The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA

Qualification you will obtain: Level 6 Environmental Practitioner Apprenticeship & BSC (Hons) Environmental Management degree

Entry Requirements: Whilst there are no set entry requirements it would be desirable for you to have at least 96 UCAS points or an equivalent academic or professional qualification. Other relevant or prior experience may be considered as an alternative. We’ll review those applicants without the ‘headline’ entry qualifications and work with you on assessing any skill gaps.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your grades yet, if you are due to sit your exams this year, we still want to hear  if your predicted grades meet our requirements.

Other immediate demands:  You must live within 30 minutes commute of Reading Sewer Treatment Works and have a full UK driving licence (If using your vehicle, you will require business use on your insurance policy at your own cost)

Application Process:
Step one: Click apply and you will be asked to complete a short online application where we ask basic information about yourself, your current qualifications/ predicted grades and why you want to apply for this apprenticeship.  (we do not ask for CV’s at this stage).

Step two: You will be sent a short online assessment please make sure you are in a quiet environment and have given yourself enough time to complete it.

Step three: You will be sent a link to book onto a telephone call with a member of our Resourcing Team this is a change for us to get to know you better and where we will check you are eligible for the apprenticeship.

Step 4: If you are successful in our screening process you will be invited to an in person assessment which will include a group exercise and a competency based interview.

Assessment Centre Dates– Assessments will be held in April and you will be invited for a morning or afternoon session.

If you need additional support at any stage of the application process then please let us know by contacting EarlyCareers@thameswater.co.uk

What you will be doing as a Digital OT Apprentice

• Reporting to the principal engineer, you will join our Operational Technology (OT) team. OT refers to the digital assets that are at the heart of Thames Water’s operations, providing the essential services for our customers, community, and the environment we serve 24/7, 365 days of the year.
• Operational Technology systems are deployed throughout Thames Water’s geographical region, enabling the remote monitoring, control, and data acquisition of thousands of water and wastewater collection, treatment and distribution assets, gathering data insight from over 2.1 million data points.
• The demand for Operational Technology solutions across the Water Utility industry is increasing significantly, and it is recognised that OT is critical in enabling us to achieve our strategic goals (including reducing leakage and pollutions). Our aim is to embrace and adopt new technologies to drive a digital transformation so we can exceed our customers’ expectations.
• You’ll study weekly with the Open University using their innovative educational technology, working towards a BSc (Honours) Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions where you will be set assignments and work based learning projects synergising and integrating your academic and work based learning. You’ll record a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate the progress of your learnt knowledge skills and behaviours, before sitting the end point assessment which will include presentation of a work placed project and panel interview.

What you should bring to the role  

• Have a real drive and motivation to manage your learning and working life.
• Be a logical thinker and have a passion for technology and finding out how things work.
• Be focused, well organised, have excellent time management skills and have the dedication to succeed.
• Have great teamwork skills but also be able to work independently, putting customers at the heart of everything you do.
• Communicate effectively and be able to challenge when a problem arises.
• Be a champion for Health & Safety within the workplace for both you and your colleagues, helping us maintain our great reputation.
• Be ready to apply everything you learn in your day-to-day role and any projects outside of this.

Why become an Apprentice at Thames Water?
We are offering training, qualifications, real-life experience and the opportunity to "Earn while you learn” on top of

• Competitive starting salary of £21,500 per annum
• Annual Leave: 24 days holiday increasing to 28 days with length of service (Plus bank holidays)
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• GymPass: a free fitness plan and access to several wellbeing apps for you and up to three family members.
• Cycle to work scheme: always on and up to 3k, save money, get fit and help protect the environment.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.