Water Industry Apprenticeship
Gain a career in the Water Industry in 2027! Keeping our communities healthy by delivering water services safely every day.
Wellington Region | Commencing February 2027
(Entry Level and Experienced Applicants Welcome)
The Opportunity
Water is one of our most valuable resources, and this is your chance to build a meaningful career helping to protect public health, the environment, and essential community infrastructure.
We are looking for motivated people who are either starting their career in the water industry or looking to build on existing infrastructure, construction, maintenance, utilities, or water industry experience through an industry-recognised apprenticeship and structured development programme, commencing in February 2027. You will be based at one of our three depots across the Wellington Region, either Porirua, Pomare or Rongotai.
Our Water teams play a vital role in keeping services running across the Wellington region. As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience while working alongside skilled crews on a wide range of activities, including planned maintenance, repairs, renewals, and emergency response work. No two days are the same.
As part of your apprenticeship, you will learn to:
· Install, repair, and maintain water, networks, including pipes, valves, connections, and related infrastructure
· Assist with water connection installations and repairs
· Flush, charge, and test water mains
· Use a range of tools, equipment, and machinery, with training and support provided
· Work with experienced team members, contractors, customers, and stakeholders
· Complete work in line with health and safety, environmental, and quality standards
· Take part in rostered and on-call work as your skills develop
Whether you're looking to start your career or already have experience in water services, civil construction, utilities, maintenance, or infrastructure, this programme provides the opportunity to gain formal qualifications, build specialist skills, and develop a long-term career in an essential industry.
About You
You may be:
Starting your career and looking for a long-term trade or infrastructure pathway
Working in civil construction, utilities, drainage, roading, maintenance, infrastructure, or a related field and looking to specialise in water services
Already working in the water industry and seeking formal qualifications and career development opportunities
Looking for a practical career with clear progression opportunities into leading hand, specialist, supervisory, or technical roles
This apprenticeship could be a great fit if you:
· Are keen to start a long-term career in the water industry
· Enjoy working outdoors and being active
· Are reliable, hardworking, and willing to learn
· Can work well as part of a team
· Have a strong commitment to health and safety
· Are comfortable using technology such as tablets or mobile device
· Hold a full Class 1 driver licence, and willingness to obtain Class 2 and WTR endorsements
· Are open to undertaking training and completing an industry qualification
Previous experience is not essential. We welcome applications from people new to the industry as well as those with experience in water services, civil construction, utilities, maintenance, infrastructure, or related sectors who are looking to gain recognised qualifications and further develop their careers.
What’s In It for You?
· Recognition and development of existing skills and experience
· Support to gain nationally recognised qualifications
· Clear career pathways within Tiaki Wai and Fulton Hogan
· Opportunities to develop specialist skills across water networks, renewals, maintenance, and operations
· Access to experienced mentors and industry experts
· A genuine pathway into the water industry
· On-the-job training and support from experienced professionals
· The opportunity to gain an industry-recognised apprenticeship qualification
· A varied, hands-on role where you can make a real difference in the community
· Ongoing career development opportunities
· Potential for additional earnings through overtime and on-call work
· A strong commitment to your health, safety, and wellbeing
· The chance to work in an industry that supports communities now and for future generations
About Us
Tiaki Wai works in partnership with Fulton Hogan through an alliance model to improve water services across the Wellington region. The value of water, a precious taonga, is at the heart of what we do.
Our people are passionate about delivering water services that support our communities and protect the environment. Through a combined workforce, Tiaki Wai and Fulton Hogan share expertise, and innovation to deliver great outcomes for the region’s water networks.
How To Apply
To apply, click the Apply button. Please note that only online applications will be accepted. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.
Advertising Closing Date: 29th November 2026
To view a copy of the job description, please: Click here.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand and will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including MOJ, NZTA, ACC, medical, and drug and alcohol testing.
- Department
- Network Maintenance (Alliance)
- Role
- Service Delivery
- Locations
- Rongotai Depot, Pomare Depot, Porirua Depot
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.