Water network operative
Water network operatives lay and maintain the pipes, mains and pumping stations that supply water to homes and businesses.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a water network operative, you could:
- set up site safety measures like traffic lights and barriers
- dig trenches by hand or with a mechanical digger
- monitor water flow and pressure data to find weak spots and leaks
- lay or repair water mains and install meters and hydrants
- detect blockages in pipes and drains and clear them
- maintain equipment and keep records of completed work
Working environment
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience and further training, you could become a:
- team supervisor
- project manager
- leakage inspector
- quality control officer
You could also work on water engineering schemes or at a treatment works.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of public safety and security
- observation and recording skills
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of maths
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You may need to be registered in one of the water industry safety passport schemes, supported by the Energy and Utilities Skills Register (EUSR). The safety passport proves that you are able to carry out work on the water network.
You might also need a driving licence for some jobs.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You could take a college course, which will teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job.
Courses include:
- construction skills
- construction operations (civil engineering)
After completing your course, you could contact water companies to find out about trainee positions.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could apply to a company to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Water Network Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Drainage Network Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Water Industry Network Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
Employers will set their own entry requirements for vacancies but some may prefer you to have GCSEs in English and maths.
You might have an advantage when applying, if you have experience in construction groundworks, plumbing, building services engineering or roadworks.
Career tips
Utility companies can use sub-contractors on some jobs, so it's worth checking with construction firms for potential vacancies.
Further information
You can find out more about working and training in the water industry from Energy and Utilities Jobs.
You can also check the careers and jobs sections of water company websites.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.