Engineering Plant Operators Apprenticeship
Ready to make a splash in your career? Join us as an Engineering Plant Operator (EPO) Apprentice and dive into the world of water treatment We'll provide you with industry leading skills and the experience you'll need to succeed in your career.
As an Engineering Plant Operator (EPO) Apprentice no two days are ever the same You'll gain hands-on experience operating and maintaining state of the art Water Treatment Works, working with mechanical and electrical (M&E) equipment, and exploring emerging ICA technologies that are shaping the future of water management.
From automation and digital monitoring to sustainable solutions, you'll be at the heart of innovation while earning a nationally recognised qualification.
If you're technically minded, love problem-solving, and want a career that truly matters, this is your chance to make a real impact.
The four-year Engineering Plant Operator 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.
NI Water offers a competitive salary and benefits package from day one.
You will have the opportunity to earn as you learn alongside highly experienced people, while gaining a professional Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering.
You will also benefit from subsidised driving lessons to help you get into the driving seat of your career
Following completion of the apprenticeship programme, successful Apprentices will have the opportunity to apply for roles within our Water Supply team in our Customer and Operations Directorate.
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.
By the 20th August 2026, have attained the qualifications necessary to be eligible for one of the accepted courses of study (Part Time) as set out below:
Level 3 Apprenticeship in Electro-Technical Services with North West Regional College at Springtown, Strabane, or Greystone Campus - https://www.nwrc.ac.uk/courses/electro-technical-services-level-3- apprenticeship-3
Or
Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Electrical/Mechatronics) with South Eastern Regional College in Bangor or Lisburn
o Entry Requirements - 5 GCSEs to include Grade D or above in Maths and English
4.
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.
5.
Access to a form of transport which will enable them to meet the requirements of the post in full, including attendance at college courses.
6.
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.
Dungonnell WTW - must have a permanent residence within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to: Newtown-crommelin Waste Water Pumping Station, Skerry East Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim BT43 6 RR
Killyhevlin WTW - must have a permanent residence within 30 miles travelling distance by public road at any time of day to the geographical location specific to Kesh WWTWs, Crevenish Road, Kesh, Fermanagh, BT93 1 RF
Carmoney WTW - Potential employees must have a permanent residence within 30 miles travelling distance by public road to both of the following NIW locations:
Carmoney Water Treatment Works, Carmoney Road, Eglinton, Derry, BT47 3 JJ
Caugh Hill Water Treatment Works, Banagher Road, Dungiven, Derry, BT47 4 TX
Please note: The successful applicants will be required to drive company vehicles on completion of their training.
You are therefore required to hold a full driving licence or undertake driving lessons and pass your driving test by the end of year one (or year two if the candidate is 16 at their start date).
What is on Offer
Salary
Starting salary for the role is £20,159
Location
Opportunities specialising in Electrical are available in the following areas:
Ballykeel (1 position)
Enniskillen (1 position)
Carmoney/Caugh Hill (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