This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Starting salary for Modern Apprenticeships, with set pay rises
- £25,312
- Source: Scottish Water (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Scottish Water supplies drinking water and treats wastewater for the whole of Scotland. It runs both of Scotland’s main apprenticeship types.
Modern Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships mix practical experience with qualifications like SVQs and HNCs, and typically take one to four years depending on the specialism. Pay starts from £25,312, with set pay rises, a bonus opportunity and a pension. Roles have included:
- electrical and mechanical maintenance
- water treatment and wastewater treatment
- water networks, leakage and metering
- health and safety
- quantity surveying
- science (biology and chemistry)
Graduate Apprenticeships
Graduate Apprenticeships combine a degree from a Scottish university with up to five years of hands-on work. Pay starts from £27,161. Our Scotland guide explains how they work.
Good to know
In March 2024, Scottish Water had 165 apprentices. It says most apprentices move into permanent roles, and its benefits include a defined benefit pension and paid volunteer days.
What they do
Scottish Water supplies drinking water and treats wastewater across Scotland. Its apprentices work in office-based and front-line operational roles, from water treatment and networks to engineering, surveying and science.
Apprenticeships they offer
-
Modern Apprenticeships
Electrical and mechanical maintenance, water treatment, wastewater, networks, leakage, metering, health and safety, surveying, science
Practical experience with qualifications such as SVQs and HNCs. Length depends on the specialism. Scottish Water doesn't state SCQF levels on these pages.
-
Graduate Apprenticeships
Engineering, construction and project management
A degree from a Scottish university combined with up to five years of work experience.
Career areas
Entry requirements
We have not found entry requirements published in a form we can verify for this employer. They usually vary by programme, so check each role's details on the official site.
Who can apply
- Scottish Water's apprenticeships are in Scotland.
Our tips for Scottish Water
- Look at the full range of roles: some are office-based and some are out on the network.
- Scottish Water says most apprentices move into permanent roles, so ask about where previous apprentices ended up.
- Want a degree? Look at its Graduate Apprenticeships, and read our Scotland guide to see how they work.
Summary
- Scottish Water runs Modern Apprenticeships and Graduate Apprenticeships across Scotland.
- Modern Apprenticeships start from £25,312 and last one to four years, with qualifications like SVQs and HNCs.
- Graduate Apprenticeships start from £27,161 and combine a degree with up to five years of work.
- Benefits include a defined benefit pension and paid volunteer days.
Questions about Scottish Water apprenticeships
How much do Scottish Water apprentices earn?
Modern Apprenticeships start from £25,312 and Graduate Apprenticeships from £27,161, with set pay rises as you progress.
How long is a Scottish Water Modern Apprenticeship?
Typically one to four years, depending on the specialism.
Does Scottish Water do Graduate Apprenticeships?
Yes. You combine a degree from a Scottish university with up to five years of hands-on work, and you're paid from day one. Our Scotland guide explains Graduate Apprenticeships.
What roles can Scottish Water apprentices do?
Roles have included electrical and mechanical maintenance, water treatment, wastewater treatment, water networks, leakage, metering, health and safety, quantity surveying and science.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.