Pipelines Apprentice

Location
- South Wales: Treforest / North Wales: Colwyn Bay / South West: Cornwall, Devon or Somerset / North West: Swindon or Gloucester
- Salary
- Starting salary circa £24,000. Incremental pay increases with a qualifying salary circa £40,000
- Contract
- Apprenticeship: Field Based
- Closing date
- 3rd March 2025
- Working hours
- 38.75 hours Monday to Friday

**Apprenticeship duration**: 4 years

**Apprenticeship Type**: Field Based

**Application window opens**: 10th February 2025

**What we’re looking for?**

We are seeking motivated individuals who have a keen interest in mechanical gas engineering and want to earn whilst learning in a real job, gaining qualifications and a long serving career.

When you’ve finished your training, you will be responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of gas pressure control equipment and the maintenance of the high-pressure gas network.

This is a field-based role, and therefore you will need to have the energy to work in all weather conditions and must be willing to work a variety of shift patterns: including weekend and evening work, and you’ll be part of a 24/7/365 standby rota.

We have opportunities available in the following locations:

- Wales (South & North Wales)
- South West of England (Swindon, Gloucester, Somerset, Devon & Cornwall)

**What can I expect from this type of Apprenticeship?**

Our Pipelines engineers are part of our Capital Delivery team who maintain the control systems of the gas network, monitor current CP (Cathodic Protection) systems and carry out maintenance and repair on these.

The Pipelines role is an exciting opportunity for acquiring skills in all aspects of maintenance, inspection and modification of all plant and equipment associated with the gas transportation systems and third-party sites, e.g. high, intermediate and low pressure regulator and valve installations, to ensure all sites and equipment are compliant with their respective regulations and are fit for purpose.

We will train you to become a qualified Craftsperson - either in a construction-based role or a Cathodic Protection based role.

Please find links below to access the job description for the qualifying roles with the Capital Delivery Department.
- Craftsperson (Construction)
- Craftsperson (Cathodic Protection)

If successful, you will cover a mixture of activities across both departments during your apprenticeship and you can let us know your preferred route at the assessment centre - the route you take will also depend on operational requirements within your geographical patch.

College arrangements will also vary depending on what qualification route you follow and the area you live in - this could be a day release from work each week or attending college in block weeks during term time.

We will confirm further details on what you can expect you if you are successful.

We’ll train you on:

- Pressure management and control
- Pressure reduction, storage and leakage reduction
- Maintenance and fault finding
- The operation of the gas network and the principles of gas engineering
- Installing and commissioning new systems
- New Roads and Streetworks Act activities (NRSWA)
- Deep excavation & confined spaces
- Our IT systems and mobile technology

**Where you will work?**

This role is field based, so when you are not in college, most of your working time will be on site within the geographical area that you have applied for.

**You will need to have**:

- The willingness to work various shift patterns which includes weekend and evening work, and participation in a 24/7 standby rota
- The energy to work in all weather conditions
- The ability to work well as part of a team
- A keen sense of pride in delivering great customer service
- A flexible and committed attitude to undertake the necessary training and upskilling

**What qualifications do I need?**
- at least 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (A*-C) to include Maths, English and Sciences as a minimum.
- Be computer literate (word, excel, etc)

The following is desirable, but not essential:

- Have achieved, or be working toward, NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations
- Be working toward, or have achieved BTEC Level 3 in engineering or EAL Level 3 in Engineering

**What you’ll get in return?**

At Wales & West Utilities we believe people are our greatest asset, therefore we are committed to supporting each and every colleague in maintaining their wellbeing, both in their personal lives and at work.

To support this, we offer a competitive apprentice package which includes:

- A starting salary of circa £24,000
- Incremental pay increases with a qualifying salary circa £40,000
- A structured pay & competency framework which rewards skills, competence and enables development and career progression
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays which can be tailored to celebrations that reflect your beliefs
- Retirement Savings Plan (pension) with Aviva: 5% employee contribution, with WWU doubling your co