Apprenticeships
Start your career with SA Water
Applications for our 2027 Apprenticeship Program are now open. Click here to find out more.
Applications for our Apprenticeship Programs open each year in July, ready to begin the following year.
Our Apprenticeship Program is a hands-on entry-level opportunity for people who are passionate about practical work and motivated to learn a trade. Over 4 years, you’ll blend real on-the-job experience with structured TAFE training in your chosen discipline; Electrical, Mechanical or Fabrication.
You’ll be supported by experienced professionals as part of a collaborative team, developing the skills needed to keep essential water services running across South Australia. Along the way, you’ll be building a meaningful and rewarding career you can be proud of.
With access to a diverse range of workshops, plants and facilities, you’ll gain exposure to unique challenges and real-world environments. This breadth of experience will help you become a more capable, knowledgeable and versatile tradesperson.
Our apprenticeship program includes:
- Paid employment for the duration of your apprenticeship
- A 4-year contract of training approved by the Training and Skills Commission of South Australia.
- A training program delivered by a registered training organisation (such as TAFE SA)
- Relevant costs associated with off-job training paid by us
The type of work you'll do depends on the type of apprenticeship you have.
As an electrical apprentice, you will:
- Build switchboards and other control systems for pumps, valves and tanks
- Find faults and repair various parts of our network and infrastructure
- Work with ultrasonic and telemetry equipment
- Maintain the supply of power to our network and infrastructure
At TAFE you will undertake a Certificate III in ElectroTechnology, learning to:
- Dismantle, assemble and fabricate electrical components
- Solve problems in single path and in multiple path circuits
- Test and connect alternating current (AC) rotating machines
- Test and connect transformers
- Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment
As a mechanical engineering apprentice, you will:
Undertake a Certificate III in Engineering Trades (Mechanical) at TAFE, learning to:
- Perform general machining
- Use power tools and hand-held operations
- Perform routine gas metal arc welding
- Interpret technical drawings
As a fabrication engineering apprentice, you will:
- Perform welding tasks, including (Metal Inert Gas welding (MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc welding (TIG), oxy-acetylene and arc welding
- Manufacture and install various SA Water assets, like pipes, ladders and security framess
- Maintain major assets, such as water and wastewater treatment plants
- Repair pipework
At TAFE you will undertake a Certificate III in Engineering Trades (fabrication), learning to:
- Carry out manual arc welding procedures
- Perform manual heating and cutting
- Carry out mechanical cutting
- Interpret technical drawings
Recruitment process
Step 1 – Submit an online application via our Careers page. You’ll be asked a series of questions to confirm eligibility, including:
- Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Holding a current and valid driver’s licence (full or probationary)
- Willingness to complete standard probity checks (reference checks, medical assessment, traffic history, police clearance, and right to work)
Step 2 – If eligible, you’ll be invited to complete an online assessment to evaluate your verbal, numerical, and communication skills. This includes a mix of written responses, multiple choice, and video/audio components.
Step 3 – Shortlisted candidates will attend an in-person Assessment Centre, involving a group activity and a one-on-one interview.
Step 4 – Final candidates will undergo probity checks. A member of our Talent Acquisition team will notify you of the outcome.