Higher Level Scientific Apprenticeship
Putting the ‘H2O’ into NI Water! World class scientific analysis starts here with us – NI Water’s Analytical Services team.
This three-year Higher Level Scientific Apprenticeship (HLA) is designed to provide you with real life, on the job experience, to help you develop new skills and gain the knowledge needed to enable you to build a successful career in NI Water.
Based within NI Water’s ISO accredited scientific laboratories, in Derry and Belfast we have opportunities for 4 HLAs (2 Derry & 2 Belfast). This programme will provide world class training and skills development in key disciplines of microbiology and chemistry. You’ll be part of a fantastic scientific team, using the latest technology in the field of analytical chemistry and microbiology.
You’ll take care of water quality tests essential for public health protection in Northern Ireland and get hands-on experience with sample preparation and analysis.
You will gain practical experience and on the job training supported by a dedicated, experienced mentor with the opportunity to earn as you learn, completing a foundation degree, debt free, alongside continued professional development with a registered professional body.
NI Water offers a competitive salary and benefits package from day one and we will even subsidise your driving lessons to help you truly get in the driving seat of your career! Upon successful completion of the programme, HLAs will have the opportunity to pursue further qualifications and to progress to more senior technical roles or junior management roles.
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. 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.
2. By the 14th August 2025, meet all entry requirements, including attainment of the qualifications necessary for one of the accepted courses of study as set out below:
* Applied Industrial Sciences – Chemical Level 5 Foundation Degree at Southern Regional College (SRC) based in Newry:
Or
* UU FdSc Applied Science (Bioscience) at North West Regional College based in Derry - (pending University Approval).
Entry Requirements (UK) (subject to change)
48 UCAS points including an A-level pass in a science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or equivalent), AND GCSE English Grade C or equivalent (eg. Essential Skills Level 2 Communications) and GCSE Maths Grade C or equivalent (Please Note - Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy is not accepted), interview required. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may be considered for entry. For more details visit
Entry Requirements (ROI) (subject to change)
48 UCAS points consisting of passes in five approved subjects to include a minimum of 3 at Higher Leaving Cert Pass (Grade D/H6) one of which should be in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or equivalent) + OLC (Grade 04 or above) to include Maths and English. Interview required. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may be considered for entry. For more details visit
3. 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.
4. 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
Salary
Starting salary for the role is £21,884 (pay award pending) OR applicable National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Location
There are four opportunities available in the following locations:
* Westland House Laboratory, 40 Old Westland Road, Belfast, BT14 6TE (2 positions)
* Gelvin Grange Laboratory, Irish Street, Derry BT47 2LD (2 positions)
What we Offer
* Generous annual leave and public/privilege holidays
* Flexible working and family friendly policies
* Hybrid Working (applicable to some of our roles after three months following onboarding and training)
* Occupational sick pay
* Employee assistance programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* One of the largest corporate volunteering schemes in NI
* Award winning health and wellbeing programme which focuses on supporting four key area of employee health; Physical, Mental, Social and Financial
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: Monday 17th February 2025 10.00am