Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Ready to own your futureAt Scottish Water our Modern Apprenticeshipsarentaboutsitting in classrooms all day.Theyredesigned to get you out there hands-on learning real skills from the start.Youllearn while you learn gain industry-recognised qualifications and build a career thatactually matters.
Fresh out of school Ready for a career switch Whatever your storywevegot opportunities that challenge you support you and help you grow.
Join our Electrical & Mechanical team inHamilton LanarkshirefromAugust 2026.
What does an Electrical and Mechanical Modern Apprentice do
As an Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) Modern Apprenticeyoulllearn on the job helping to keep Scotlands water and wastewater services running smoothly.Youlltrain alongside experienced engineers gaining hands-on skills tomaintainand repair the equipment that keeps water flowing and wastewater safely removed.
Youllbe working on mechanical systems like pumps valves gearboxes and pipework - assembling disassembling and repairing vital equipment.On the electrical side you will work on electrical motors and controls switch gear actuators and instrumentation. Every job is different andyoullbe problem-solving in fast-paced sometimes challenging environments.
Safety comes first.Youllbe fully trained to carry out risk assessments use the right tools and follow safe working practices.Youllalso keep your skills sharp with regular safety training.
Youllwork closely with the wider team to plan and respond to issues - reacting quickly to incidents and tackling planned maintenance.Itsall about teamwork learning and building a career that makes a real difference to Scotlands communities.
Yourjourney withus
Modern Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with the opportunity to completevocationalqualifications. Supported by our in-house Electrical and Mechanical Skills Academy team each apprentice has both a day-to-day line manager and a qualification assessorfrom an external training providerwho supports them through their qualification and ensures their training is of the highest standard. Your first year will be spent full time at aGlasgow-basedcollege progressing towards your full qualification. If this requires you to commute long distances we will arrange accommodation local to the college.
Over four yearsyoullreceive dedicated training to become a fully qualified E&M Multiskilled Craftsperson gaining the skills and confidence to make a real impact.
You can expect to learn things like:
Maintenance skills
Engineering fundamentals
Using software apps and technology tomonitorassets
Working safely to protect yourself and your colleagues
That means most of your days will be spent outdoors on our operational sites. But in Scotlandtheresno such thing asbad weather- just inappropriate clothing. Sowellmake sureyourekitted out for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
Youllbe part of an expert experienced team who will support you to develop your skills and knowledge while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. This is your chance to earn as you learn working with industry-leading teams to help deliver services that are essential to the daily lives of the people of Scotland.
Onceyouvereached a certain point in your trainingyoullbe included in our Out-of-Hoursrota. That means you might occasionally be called into work outside your normal hours to investigate or fix a problem.Youllearn some extra money each month for this whetheryourecalled in or not.
Whatsin it for you
Youllchallenge and stretch yourself.Werehere to help you make the most of your skills and abilities with first-class training support and a big investment in your development.
You will qualify with anSVQ in Engineering SCQF Level7plusHNC level qualification.
Earn as you learn.Youllstart on24352 with clear scheduled pay increases as you reach key milestones throughout your training.Youllalso be eligible for an annual bonus and a great pension scheme.
Job security.The vast majority ofour apprentices choose to stay with us after completing their programmes. Many people even spend their entire careers with us! Some go on to become team leaders or managers while others focus on honing their technicalexpertise.
Youllbe providing an essential service to Scotland and your local community helping to protect our natural environment.
And the best bitYoullbe working as part of a friendly close-knit team that genuinely wants to see you succeed - and who make coming into work fun.
Whatyoullneed
You need to be at least 17 years old by 1 August 2026.
A responsible attitude to learning and work is essential.Youllbe someone people can trust and rely on.
Ideallyyoullhave five National 4 or 5s (or similar). English Maths and Science are particularly helpful but theyarenta dealbreaker.
A driving licence would be useful especially in some of our more remote locations but we know that lessons and tests are expensive. If youhaventhad the chance to pass your test we can provide support to help you get your licence during your first year with us.
In terms of requirementsThatsit.
Butheresthe thing: We get thousands of applications for our apprentice roles each year. What makes the best candidates stand out
Here are a few things we love to see:
CVs that tell us more than what qualifications you have gained. Show us what you love. What are your aspirations
Cover letters that tell us whyyoureinterested in Scottish Water (and in this role particularly). We recommend including cover letters in the same document as your CV.
Anote towomenconsidering anapprenticeship
Wereproud to see more women joining our apprenticeship programmes every yearbuttheresstill work to do. Women are underrepresented in some of these roles andwerecommitted to changing that.
Ifyourereading this and wondering if an apprenticeship is right for youheresthe answer: it is.
Apprenticeships are for anyone with curiosity drive and a willingness to learn. If that sounds like youwedlove to see you apply.
At Scottish Wateryoullfind a supportive network of women and menwhovegot your back. Whetheryoureout in the field in the lab or in the officeyoullbe part of a teamthatshere to help you grow succeed and feel like you belong - because you do.
The not-so-small print
Wereaccepting applications untilmidnight on Sunday22 March2026.
There will be some fun (no honestly!) online assessment activityinApril. Interviews will happen during Mayand June. Andwereaiming to get all our new apprentices startedinAugust.
For more information on our apprentice programmes and applications please visit our website: anyadditionalqueriesregardingyour application feel free to contact us at
A few final things worth knowing
Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If youre interested in this job but dont tick all the boxes apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So dont rule yourself out!
Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). Were also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events like menopause. Were very used to making adjustments so please dont be afraid to ask.
As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland its important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you dont already live here youll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.
Please note Scottish Water takes the safety health and wellbeing of our employees colleagues and customers very seriously and as such you may be subject to Drug & Alcohol testing in line with our policy.
Finally (finally!) candidates who havent submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You wont need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.