Water Industry Apprenticeship

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 this link. 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.