Modern Apprenticeships

Start Strong. Build Skills. Make a Difference.

At Scottish Water, our Modern Apprenticeships aren’t about just sitting in classrooms all day. They’re designed to get you out there, hands-on, learning real skills from the start. You’ll earn while you learn, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and build a career that actually matters.
Fresh out of school? Ready for a career switch? Whatever your story, we’ve got opportunities that challenge you, support you, and help you grow.

Why Choose a Modern Apprenticeship?

Modern Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning, with the opportunity to complete professional qualifications. Supported by our in-house Skills Academy team, each apprentice has both a day-to-day line manager, and a personal assessor who supports them through their qualification and ensures their training is of the highest standard. Some qualifications require regular college attendance. Others are delivered entirely in-house by our own training specialists.

• Real Experience from Day One: No coffee runs here. You’ll be on real projects, making a real impact.
• Skills You’ll Actually Use: Learn practical, job-ready skills alongside qualifications that count - backed by expert trainers from our in-house Skills Academy.
• Work with Purpose: Whether you’re fixing pipes, testing water, or managing projects, your work helps keep Scotland’s water clean, safe, and flowing.
• Find Your Path: Technical whiz? Future leader? Whatever your ambition, we’ll help you get there.
  
  

What Kind of Modern Apprenticeships Do We Offer? 

Our programmes change based on business needs, but here’s a taste of what’s out there:

• Water Treatment - Keep Scotland’s drinking water clean and safe. Test water quality, work with cutting-edge tech, and maintain treatment sites.
• Wastewater Treatment - Help clean and treat wastewater to protect public health and the environment. It’s essential, challenging work - and yes, you’ll have stories to tell.
• Electrical & Mechanical – Into tech and problem-solving? Learn how to maintain and repair the machinery that keeps Scotland’s water systems running smoothly.
• Water Networks Operations – Get hands-on with pipes, valves, and meters. Detect leaks, fix networks, and make sure clean water reaches homes and businesses.
• Scientific Services – Lab life more your style? Test water quality, analyse data, and support vital research to keep Scotland’s water safe.
• Project Management - Love planning and organising? Learn how to manage budgets, schedules, and teams to deliver projects that make a difference.
• Business Administration – Get behind the scenes of a major organisation. Support HR, finance, operations - you’ll be the one keeping things running smoothly.

Every apprenticeship blends practical experience with formal qualifications like SVQs and HNCs.

What’s in It for You?

• Starting Salaries from £22k: With clear, defined pay rises as you progress.
• Defined Pay Rises: You'll know exactly when your pay will increase, with regular raises, a bonus opportunity, and access to our pension scheme.
• 38 Days Paid Holiday: Plus, the option to buy additional holiday days.
• Job Security: Most apprentices transition into permanent roles within the company.
• Wellbeing Perks: Enjoy a defined benefit pension, life assurance, discounts through "SW Splash," and paid volunteer days.

Ready to Apply?

Applications  for our 2025 Modern Apprenticeships open on Monday 3rd of March 2025 and close at midnight on Sunday 6th of April 2025.