Apprentice Waterway Operative

  • Company: Canal & River Trust
  • Location: Doncaster
  • Closing Date: 21-08-2022

Description

Advertised Salary: £18,348

Location:      Yorkshire and North East: Bramwith, Doncaster, DN7 5SJ

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 a Waterways Apprentice.

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.

Our-values (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/refresh/media/thumbnail/35240-our-values.pdf).

About the Apprenticeship

Our apprentices complete a Water Environment Worker Apprenticeship. Details of the apprenticeship can be found here: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/water-environment-worker-v1-0

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

About the role

You will be working outside, carrying out maintenance and repair works under guidance from waterway teams. You will learn how to manage habitats using a range of specialist techniques and connect with a wide variety of customers, colleagues and volunteers. You will be an ambassador of the Canal & River Trust, who is keen to learn new skills.

  • Encouraging people to enjoy the canal network and environments around them; providing customer service through operation of the Trust’s assets (e.g. locks and bridges).
  • Carrying out maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure, including graffiti removal and litter picking.
  • Monitoring and managing the use of the towpaths, collecting information and reporting as required, surveying and maintaining signage.
  • Managing habitats through using a range of specialist techniques such as coppicing, hedge laying and establishing native plants, using appropriate tools and equipment.
  • Applying soft engineering principles and practices to reduce erosion and manage stabilisation of areas surrounding watercourses, while also enhancing habitat, improving aesthetics and saving money.
  • Liaising with community groups to support volunteer groups under the guidance of the volunteer leader.
  • Undertaking work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme.
  • 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.

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.

This is predominantly an outdoor role. We love the outdoors at Canal & River Trust, and it’s so important that as a member of the Waterways team you enjoy all weathers!  Repairs, vegetation clearance and assisting the general public & towpath and waterway users doesn’t only happen on the sunny days, so rain and cold is all part of the experience.

Experience of using tools ranging from paintbrushes and spanners, to strimmers and power tools is desirable (but don’t worry if you don’t have 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 or heritage assets

Any experience of working outside or in a team, potentially through hobbies, work experience or volunteering.

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.

 

Apply now or contact student support if you need assistance with your application, we’re here to help!

Apply