We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
Do you have a Level 3 Technical Certificate in an Engineering discipline and want to learn more? Join Portsmouth Water as an Operational Technology (OT) Systems Engineering Apprentice.
You’ll gain hands-on engineering experience managing the technology that monitors and controls our water systems. You’ll also work towards a Level 4 Automation & Controls Engineering Technician qualification, opening the door to a long-term career.
What will you be doing?
You’ll learn to install, maintain, support and optimise hardware and develop the programs that make up Industrial Automation and Control Systems.
You’ll work across a range of hardware such as programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, and industrial networks.
This apprenticeship standard covers the core skills, knowledge and behaviours to demonstrate competency of an Automation & Controls Engineer and covers key requirements to include:
- Develop or modify automation and control system programs using a variety of different programming tools, languages and techniques
- Support and maintain the integration of electrical/electronic safety devices within an automation & control system
- Install, support and maintain devices linked to and across industrial networking infrastructures including configuration and programming
- Provide effective fault escalation support to first line service personnel that lead to successful return to operation of automation and control systems
- Supervise, manage, or oversee activities such as installation of automation and control equipment and industrial networks
Where you’ll work: Havant head office and at our water treatment sites, when required.
Hours: 38 hours per week (four working days plus one training day).
Start date: The apprenticeship starts at CEMAST college on 15 September 2026. You must be available to attend CEMAST college on 3 September 2026 to enrol on to the apprenticeship. Your employment start date will be agreed upon offer.
Starting salary: £25,925 per annum.
Training location: You’ll train with South Hampshire College Group at their CEMAST facility in Gosport. You must therefore be able to commute to both Gosport (PO13) and Havant (PO9).
Duration: Fixed term contract with a 48-51 month structured programme.
What you’ll need: You must have already obtained a Level 3 Technical Certificate in an Engineering discipline, and GCSE English and Maths grade 4/C or above (or Level 2 functional skills) are preferred. You must have a full UK driving licence or be working towards to achieving it. You must be capable of obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance.
If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks that will include a basic disclosure check. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the national security vetting process for either a CTC or SC clearance check. Any offer of employment is conditional upon completion and receipt of satisfactory checks.
