Apprentice Engineering Technician

Job Purpose

Job Title: Apprentice Engineering Technician

Advertised Salary: £22,095

Location : Across the East Midlands region (predominantly South of the region) with a base at Milton Keynes Hub. See our network map here:

Who are we?

We are the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. It takes an extraordinary team to bring our waterways to life and that’s where you come in.

As part of our commitment to the long-term maintenance and restoration of the waterways, we are looking to recruit an Apprentice Engineering Technician.

Working for the Canal & River Trust, you can take pride in knowing that you are really making a difference each and every day. By joining us, you’ll be caring for your environment as well as your community, helping make life better by water for everyone. Every day.

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

You will form part of a team of Engineers and Inspectors who contribute to the Trust’s Asset Management Strategies. The role will include developing works information packages to address defects identified as part of the asset management process.

Responsible for undertaking scheduled asset inspections, ensuring that they are completed to plan, data is reviewed, approved and recorded in the prescribed format, to the prescribed quality. Engage with the Trust‘s customers whilst inspecting on the network and promote a positive image of the Trust and the work it does. Feedback comments and complaints to the relevant internal teams. Provide technical support to the wider engineering team and under supervision, develop simple, bespoke solutions to identified defects based upon existing standard solutions. Undertake site inspections and determine possible design solutions, undertake length inspections. Support the definition of the maintenance, repair and renewal works for delivery by Trust teams and contractors, taking account of, all statutory, technical, operational and customer requirements. Support internal and external enquiries associated with the assets. Respond as appropriate by reference to relevant information sources and offer efficient and cost effective recommendations. Comply with legal duties associated with Heritage & Environment. Comply with Canal & River Trust’s Health & Safety policy and defined standards, report incidents, accidents and near misses. Assist with point of work risk assessments and make adjustments to work methods where appropriate. Ensuring that inclusion and diversity are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust. Displaying the Trust values and behaviours always.

About the Apprenticeship

Our apprentices complete a Level 4 Civil Engineering Senior Technician Apprenticeship. Details of the apprenticeship can be found here:

As a Trust apprentice, you will complete your apprenticeship training both on and off-the-job, including regular attendance at our chosen training provider. All college related travel costs are paid for by the Trust. Whilst on-the-job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience. We regularly arrange placements for you to build your portfolio, as well as opportunities to work on projects. This involves working across our network, so you may be working away from home. No two days are the same

After the Apprenticeship

We are fully committed to support all of our apprentices during their training. We truly value their contribution to the Trust and plan our recruitment to match progression opportunities. Once the apprenticeship is completed and your work on site is to a satisfactory level, we aim to offer ongoing employment opportunities with us.

What skills and abilities do I need to have?

We look for candidates who live and breathe our values; Caring, Open, Local, Inclusive and Excellence and have a willingness to learn, enthusiasm and dedication. We are looking for potential.

You should have an interest in fixing rather than throwing away and be a keen problem solver who is eager to understand why and how something is broken with a view to creating a solution to fix it. We love the outdoors at Canal & River Trust, and it's so important that as a member of the Engineering team you enjoy all weathers Inspections and repairs don't only happen on the sunny days, so rain and cold is all part of the experience. You will need a full UK driving licence or be willing to attain one within 12 months of beginning your apprenticeship, as the ability to drive is mandatory for this role. The Trust may be able to support you with this.

What qualifications do I need to have?

Ideally grade A-C or grade 9-4 in Maths, English and Science GCSE (or equivalent) already achieved or on target to achieve.

What qualifications or experience would potentially help me more?

An interest or connection to the waterways network. Any Engineering experience, potentially through hobbies, work experience or volunteering.

Inclusive and supportive employer

At the Trust we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

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