Water Industry

This Modern Apprenticeship is for employees who are entering the water industry or existing staff who want to develop their existing skills. They can be involved in the industry directly, or as part of the extensive supply chain of partners, alliances and contractors.

It’s particularly relevant to independent contractors looking after the sewers and drains throughout Scotland.

To do the apprenticeship at SCQF Level 5, there are no formal requirements. To start at SCQF Level 6, candidates should have qualifications at Standard Grades, National level 4 or 5, or equivalent qualifications.

For both levels, candidates should demonstrate maturity and motivation. They should have an interest in pursuing a career in the water industry.

Candidates must be willing to undergo health screening to check for waterborne diseases.

The qualification at SCQF Level 5 prepares apprentices for the following types of roles:

• sewerage investigative CCTV operative

• sewerage water-jetting operative

• sewerage repair and maintenance operative

• sewerage trenchless technology operative

Employees will have the skills to progress onto the water industry Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6. Or they can start working towards one of the following qualifications:

• Higher National Certificate (HNC) in civil engineering

• SCQF Level 7 professional development awards

  • Water Operations: Waste Water Processes

  • Water Operations: Drinking Water Processes

  • Water Operations: Water Distribution and Utilisation

When they complete the apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6, employees could progress onto further development programmes, including:

• Water Operations: Waste Water Processes at SCQF Level 7

• Water Operations: Drinking Water Processes at SCQF Level 7

• Water Operations: Water Distribution and Utilisation at SCQF Level 7

• Selected related programmes at SQCF Level 8

• Civil engineering HNC

• degree in utilities management

• Masters in utilities management

• specific industry training leading to professional qualifications or awards

The SCQF Level 6 qualification prepares apprentices for the following types of roles:

• leakage field technician

• network design technician

• water distribution technician

• water fittings inspector

• process operations technician

• network construction technician

• process operations supervisor

• wastewater technician