About the Trust
We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?
Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
Location:
Docklands, London, E14 9ST
Job Title: Mechanical & Electrical Technician Apprentice
Advertised Salary: £22,095 + £4,000 per annum Inner London Allowance.
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 Mechanical & Electrical Apprentices.
Join us and you’ll be caring for your environment as well as your community, helping make life better by water for everyone. Every day.
About the role
You will be assisting the local M&E team with the delivery of maintenance and repair works to mechanical & electrical structures, plant and equipment to protect and enhance the reputation of the network as a valued national asset. This will include carrying out reactive repairs, planned preventative maintenance, general works programme, and projects, including working on a wide range of assets such as bridges, locks, pump stations & construction sites.
- 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
- Working outside, ensure that the customer experience is maximised by providing outstanding levels of customer service in accordance with defined standards. Promote Canal & River Trust by maintaining a professional approach at all times
- Assist in the planning and preparation of all specific related tasks in terms of mechanical and electrical equipment, materials and plant resources
- Assist the M&E team to ensure all mechanical and electrical equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc) are appropriate for the task
- Support mechanical and electrical asset inspections. Identify and report any damage or incidents to M&E Supervisor or Engineers for inputting into SAP
- Assist M&E Team to undertake key duties associated with the mechanical and electrical maintenance of the waterways
- 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 Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship. Details of the apprenticeship can be found here: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/maintenance-and-operations-engineering-technician-v1-1
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 someone who is not scared to take things apart and figure out how it works, with a view of putting it back together again (working where possible!)
Experience of using hand tools ranging from spanners and sockets, to drills and power tools is desirable (but don’t worry if you don’t have this!)
An understanding of basic electrical and mechanical principles taught at GCSE Physics would be advantageous, for example: electromagnets, current flow, ohms law, mechanisms, force, mass etc. (Again, don’t worry if you aren’t super familiar 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.
A driving license or the willingness to achieve one within 12 months of starting (Driving is a mandatory part of our roles due to the breadth of our network)
What qualifications or experience would potentially help me more?
An interest or connection to the waterways network.
Grade A-C (or equivalent) in Physics would demonstrate a basic understanding of electrical and mechanical principles.
Any other Mechanical and/or Electrical 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.
All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.
Our aim is, at all times, to care for our people, and earn the confidence, trust and advocacy of our customers, partners, and those in the communities in which we work. We pride ourselves on, and are committed to, a workplace that reflects our values, embraces diversity, and enhances our reputation as a responsible and trusted custodian of the waterways in our care.
Read more about our commitment to Diversity Here
How do I apply?
Please click to apply and complete the application form fully - there is no need to submit a CV.
It is very important that you make use of the Personal Statement section of our application form and tell us all about your motivations & interest, any transferable experience and why you want to come and work for the Canal & River Trust.
What we offer
In addition to our competitive apprenticeship wage, we can offer;
- High quality qualifications including training on top of the apprenticeship
- Fantastic experience with hands-on training giving you a real chance to put your skills into practice and helping you to gain more confidence in a supportive working environment
- Opportunities to take part in exciting projects around England and Wales
- The chance to meet other apprentices, making friends for life
- Disability Confident and Time to Change (mental health support) Employer
When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to preserve our heritage for future generations. Come and share your passion and knowledge with a team that makes a difference to millions of people every day.
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Our values
We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.
All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.
At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers.
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us
