Careers | Yorkshire Water

With the option of being able to gain on the job experience along with a competitive starting salary, it comes as no surprise to us that apprenticeships have grown in popularity over the past few years.

We recognise the need for fresh talent in our workplace, that's why we've already employed many apprentices in different business units across Yorkshire Water.

Yorkshire Water will be recruiting for our apprenticeship scheme throughout 2019 across Technology, Operations, Degree level Engineering and Project Management. Please continue to visit our featured jobs regularly for further information about the scheme and to apply.

Being an apprentice gives you the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and develop new skills whilst earning a salary and gaining plenty of business experience, which is invaluable when kick-starting your career.

Background to the programme

Since 2010, we've run an exciting and rewarding apprenticeship programme with plenty of opportunities across the business to experience first-hand the different challenges and opportunities for innovation that are key to the successful operation of the business.

We believe that your development is key to the success of the apprenticeship programme and have therefore shaped our offering to be exciting, challenging and also highly rewarding! We will also provide you with every opportunity to get your career off to a great start enabling you to realise your full potential and be the best that you can be.

We have a range of apprenticeship roles in a variety of functions across the business providing excellent opportunities for highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals.
You will develop a range of new skills through practical experience in addition to receiving training through either a local training provider or University, gaining a nationally recognised qualification along the way.

Our programme typically lasts for 2 years, however this may take up to 4 years (depending on level of qualification and business area) to allow time for completion of all the essential training and qualifications.

Throughout the programme your safety will be our main priority and you will receive comprehensive health and safety training and appropriate PPE to enable you to learn and work safely.

What skills are we looking for?

We’re looking for self-motivated, dedicated and responsible apprentices who are prepared to work hard and complete their studies alongside working in our organisation.
Work experience is not essential, however, you must have excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team. We’re looking for apprentices that are innovative, passionate about customer service and enjoy getting things done.

Pre-requisite qualifications are different for each programme of study, these will be available on our jobs page when our vacancies are live. For example, the Electrical Multi Skilled Engineering Apprentice– you must have at least 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above including English Language & Science, with a Grade B in Mathematics.

Location

We have roles based at our head office in Buttershaw, Bradford in addition to operational sites across the Yorkshire region, each programme may require you to work in different areas across the region.

For our Electrical Multi Skilled Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme, you must be willing to live away for 1 year on a residential college training programme in Hull. Your accommodation and living expenses will be paid by Yorkshire Water, so all you have to worry about is learning everything you can!

Your salary and rewards

We offer a very competitive starting salary. This is reviewed regularly with your line manager throughout the programme and you will receive incremental pay increases in line with your progression.

You will also be part of a wider network of apprentices across the company and we therefore encourage you to share learning and experiences through team building events.

Our recruitment process

If the Apprenticeship Scheme sounds like the opportunity for you, you will need to complete an online application form which is detailed at the bottom of each job advert once you click on the apply button.

If you satisfy the minimum academic requirements for the role, you will then be asked to go through the initial recruitment process which will involve completing an Online Test and a Video Interview!

The final stage of the recruitment process is the Assessment Centre. The whole purpose of the Assessment Centre is to give you a feel for what it’s really like to work here and for us to find out more about you.

You will be introduced to a variety of people from around the business, some of these will be assessing your potential during the event, and some could even be your future colleagues.

Application hints and tips

Take a look below at some of our hints and tips to give you the best chance of success.

Completing your application

• Read the form and make notes first – only complete the application when you are ready
• Ensure you complete the form in detail – don’t leave any areas blank
• Think about your strengths and what you have to offer – ask family and friends to help
• Check your form for mistakes – check spelling and grammar
• Ask somebody else to read and check it for you – a fresh pair of eyes may help
• Keep the closing date in mind – allow yourself plenty of time to complete
• Keep a copy of your application

Preparing for the interview and assessment

• Read up on Yorkshire Water  – our website is a great source of information
• Feel free to ask what will be involved in the assessment process
• Think about your skills and how you will demonstrate what you have to offer
• Prepare examples of what you have achieved
• Plan your journey and allow plenty of time to get there on the day
• If you have a disability or special requirements, please let us know in advance and we will do everything we can to help
• We want you to do well so be confident and show us what you have to offer. Ask questions
• It is important to listen carefully to the questions. Although you may have prepared examples do take care to focus on answering the question directly
• If you are unsure about the question or have not heard it correctly don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to explain what they are asking for
• Be yourself and be honest. We are looking for real people who want to learn and develop and who share our value
   

Frequently Asked Questions

You can look at our frequently asked questions below. Please get in touch if there's any further information you'd like to find out.

Where is Yorkshire Water based?
Our Head Office is based in Buttershaw, Bradford. However, we have over 700 water and sewage treatment works across the Yorkshire region.
Our employees work across many different sites and you should look at the job descriptions to see exactly where the apprentice roles will be based.

What apprentice roles do you have?
For our previous intake, we have recruited in the following departments: The Electrical and Mechanical Team, IT and HR. We are always adding new programmes, details of each will be on the website once the vacancy is live.

How long does the apprentice scheme last for?
It just depends on the role you decide to apply for. For instance, the IT Apprenticeship Scheme can last up to 24 months, whilst the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme can last up to 48 months.

What's the starting salary?
We offer a very competitive starting salary with progression bonus payments built in throughout your apprentice programme. The payments will be dependent on your contribution to the business and developing your potential within the role. You will be able to see how to achieve your progression payments once you have started with us.

What training will I get?
Not only will you receive dedicated training through your college placement, we will also support your development whilst at work. This may be through 1-2-1’s, formal in-house training (i.e. attending a training course) or ‘on-the job’ training.

What happens at the end of the scheme?
Subject to your performance and capability we will support you to secure a suitable permanent placement within the department you have been sponsored by.

What opportunities for progression are there?
Our apprentice schemes ensure that your development is catered for and that you are rewarded appropriately for your contribution. As your skills and experience grow so will your salary and rewards. We will give you the opportunity and support to develop yourself – it’s then up to you to use this knowledge and experience to your advantage. We advertise all our vacancies internally and if you feel you have the skills needed for a specific role you can apply internally to work in a different area of the business.

How do I know if I'm suitable for the role?
Read the job description thoroughly. If you have any more unanswered questions then give our Recruitment Team a call. Basically, if you enjoy learning and going that extra mile, then you are half way there!

How do I apply?
Take a look at our current vacancies page where you'll be required to complete an online application form. Click on the apprentice job title, see if it’s for you and if so, click on the ‘apply’ button that you will find at the bottom of the job advert.