OT Systems Engineering Apprentice

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.
These roles offer a fantastic opportunity for anyone eager to try something new, build their knowledge, and develop practical skills. You’ll gain hands‑on engineering experience managing the technology that monitors and controls our water systems.
If you're curious, enjoy problem‑solving, and want to make a real impact, you'll help keep our systems running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll also work towards a Level 4 Automation & Controls Engineering Technician qualification, opening the door to a long‑term career.
Start date: You can start your employment with us now, ahead of the apprenticeship programme beginning in September 2027.
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). The apprenticeship will start in September 2027 and will require you to attend CEMAST 1 day per week.
Duration: Fixed term contract with a 48-51 month structured apprenticeship 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 manual UK driving licence or be working towards to achieving it to enable working at our water treatment sites. You must be capable of obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance.

• 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.

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.

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways
, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements
. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications — so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of…