Network Plus, Greater Manchester’s award-winning utility and infrastructure services provider, is set to launch its new water industry training school after advertising this week for apprentice water operatives to join the thriving business.

24 apprentices will be recruited following assessment centres in May, with the first cohort expected to begin their careers in utilities on Monday 1 June. They’ll combine studies with practical experience as they progress towards completing the Level 2 Water Network Operative Apprenticeship.

Apprentice water operatives will learn how to maintain, repair and inspect water network assets, helping to deliver safe, reliable water to homes and businesses every day. Successful candidates will join teams working on water networks across the North West.

Applications are open now – at networkplus.co.uk/careers – to people like to work hands-on and outdoors, enjoys learning new ways of working, work well as part of a team and ideally hold a driving licence.

Also advertised this week are an additional 10 apprenticeships in Network Plus’s health and safety, customer service, scheduling, commercial and streetworks teams.

All 34 apprentices will work on the company’s United Utilities contract.

Network Plus Chief Executive, Kevin Fowlie, says:
“With record investment in the sector, it’s an exciting time to work in utilities and an exciting time to be at Network Plus as our business goes from strength to strength.

“The opening of the training school is an important part of our growth strategy and our long-term partnership with United Utilities has been invaluable in helping us reach this point. We both recognise that growing our own talent is critical to meeting our aspirations for our customers.”

United Utilities is investing £380 million to upgrade more than 925km water mains across the North West over the next five years. Network Plus has been appointed to deliver a major portion of the programme.

Dave Prescott, Network Plus Chief Operating Officer, adds:
“This is a fabulous opportunity to join a growing business in a thriving sector. If that appeals to you, get your application in as soon as you can. You’ll gain practical skills from day one and a nationally recognised qualification at the end of your apprenticeship. And we’re a great company to work for and a fantastic place to build your career!”

Applications are open now at networkplus.co.uk/careers.

Water apprenticeships are being delivered in collaboration with 3T Training Services.