Scientific Apprenticeship Programme
Putting the H2O into NI Water - world class scientific analysis starts here, with us – NI Water’s Analytical Services team!
We have opportunities for Apprentices at our scientific laboratories in Belfast and Derry for candidates who are interested in making a difference to Northern Ireland and building a career with NI Water.
NI Water offers a competitive salary and benefits package from day one as well as opportunities to earn as you learn, working with brilliant people, all while gaining a formal qualification in science. You will also benefit from subsidised driving lessons to help you truly get in the driving seat of your career!
You will work as part of our experienced team, to ensure maintenance, monitoring and controlling of NI Water’s sampling requirements for Clean & Waste Waters. You will be a point of contact within our laboratories and will assist in the daily operations of the NI Water Sampling teams.
You will also work closely with the Laboratory Information Management Systems Team (LIMS) and alongside the NI Water Regulation teams to advise and assist in the planning and delivery of annual sampling schedules.
The three-year Scientific Apprenticeship Programme is designed to ensure you gain real life, on the job experience and develop new skills and knowledge that will support you in building a successful career within NI Water. You will also enjoy being able to share your experiences and learn from other apprentices, colleagues and assigned personal mentors.
Following successful completion of the Scientific Apprenticeship Programme, you will have the opportunity to further progress within our Scientific Teams.
Come help us in building a greener, healthier and stronger Northern Ireland!
Please refer to the Candidate Brief below for further details of role responsibilities.
Applicants MUST be able to demonstrate in their application and where necessary at interview:
Essential Criteria
1. Be at least 16 years old on 21st August 2025.
2. Candidates will be required to undertake competency-based tests within a computer-based assessment. These tests will assess candidates’ essential skills, literacy, numeracy and other key aptitudes for the role. In order to progress to the next stage of the selection process, candidates must achieve a satisfactory score in all key areas.
All candidates must provide a personal email address on their application form which will be required to undertake the computer-based assessment skills tests.
3. By the 21st August 2025, have attained the qualifications necessary to be eligible for one of the accepted courses of study (Part Time) as set out below:
* Applied Science (Apprenticeship) - Level 3 Diploma at Belfast Metropolitan College, based in Belfast
Or
* Applied Science (Biomedical Science) - Level 3 Diploma at North West Regional College, based in Derry
- UK Requirements - 4 GCSEs (Grade C or above) including a Science subject, plus English and Maths
- ROI Requirements - 4 OLCs (Grade 05 or above) including a Science subject, plus English and Maths; OR Leaving Cert Applied - (Merit) to include one Science elective module
4. Have the right to live and work in the UK. Please note NI Water is unable to provide sponsorship for visa applicants, as such applicants must hold the right to work in the UK to be eligible for this role. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK before an offer of employment is made.
5. Have a full, current driving licence* which enables them to drive in Northern Ireland and have a car available for official business, or, access to a form of transport which will enable them to meet the requirements of the post in full, including attendance at college courses.
*NI Water will subsidise the cost of driving lessons for any successful candidates who wish to obtain their licence.
What is on Offer
Excellent Salary and Progression
Starting salary for the role is £18,818 per annum (pay award pending)
As part of our award-winning academy, you will also benefit from excellent grade and salary progression throughout your programme subject to satisfactory performance and completion of all relevant training and qualifications
Location
There are two opportunities available in the following locations:
* Westland House Laboratory, 40 Old Westland Road, Belfast, BT14 6TE (1 position)
* Gelvin Grange Laboratory, Irish Street, Derry BT47 2LD (1 position)
Hours of Working
37 hours per week
Benefits
Not only will you be working for one of Northern Ireland’s top companies, you will also receive a number of company benefits to include:
* Subsidised driving lessons
* Generous annual leave and public holidays
* Flexible working and family friendly policies
* Occupational sick pay
* Employee assistance programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Volunteering support
How to Apply
To submit your application, please click APPLY NOW.
For additional information about the role please download a Candidate Brief from the Additional Documents section below.
Closing date for submission of Applications: 17th February 2025 at 10am