Hours and Environment

As a water or wastewater treatment plant workers you will usually work 37 hours a week. You may need to work shifts, which can include evenings, nights and weekends. Overtime may be available.

You may work indoors in a control room, or in water treatment areas which can be indoors or outdoors. Conditions may be wet, dirty and smelly, and you may have direct contact with unpleasant substances. You will wear protective clothing, which may include breathing apparatus.

Although much of the work is computerised, some parts of the job are physical and involve bending, lifting, working in confined spaces and climbing ladders.

Skills and Interests

To be a water or wastewater treatment plant worker you need:

• good practical skills
• physical fitness
• good observational skills and attention to details
• willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
• the ability to cope with unpleasant smells and substances
• willingness to work unsocial hours
• the ability to follow detailed instructions 
• awareness of health and safety

You will also find it useful to have a driving licence, as treatment plants are usually located away from built-up areas.

Entry

You do not always need qualifications to become a water/wastewater treatment plant worker, although some employers may ask for some GCSEs/S grades or equivalent qualifications like NVQs. Check entry requirements with individual employers - you can find company contact details from the Water UK website (see Further Information section below).

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For an apprenticeship you will usually need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths, English, and another relevant subject such as science, engineering or design and technology.

If you are not joining the industry through an apprenticeship scheme, you will find it useful to have previous experience or qualifications in building site or plant maintenance work.

Employers may expect you to be registered in a safety passport scheme - see the Training section below for more details of schemes.

Some employers may ask you to have a medical before starting work.

Training

You will be trained on the job by experienced staff. Your training will usually also include some formal courses at a training centre. You may also work towards one or more of the following qualifications:

• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 Operating Process Plant (Water, Waste Water or Sludge)
• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 Monitoring the Water Environment
• NVQ/SVQ Level 3 Controlling Water Operations (Process).

See the Energy & Utility Skills website for more information and details of training providers.

Many employers insist that you are registered in an appropriate safety passport scheme before being allowed to work on site. Although this is not yet a legal requirement, it will be law by 2010. To register, you must hold an NVQ/SVQ or acceptable equivalent, and pass a health and safety assessment.

The following safety passport schemes are suitable:

• Water Sector Health, Safety and Environmental Passport
• National Water Hygiene Scheme.

See the Energy & Utility Skills Register website for more details and a list of training centres.

Opportunities

As a water or wastewater treatment plant worker you will be employed by regional water companies, in water or wastewater treatment works. 

You could progress to become a team leader or a manager. With further training and study, you could become an engineering technician or an incorporated water engineer.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee water treatment worker could start on £10,000 to £12,000 a year.
After completing an apprenticeship, this can rise to around £16,000.
Experienced treatment plant workers usually earn between £18,000 and £25,000.  

Further information

Tel: 0845 077 9922 1 Queen Anne's Gate
London
SW1H 9BT