Apprenticeships
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.