About the Trust

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Join Our Team: Apprentice Waterways Operative - West Midlands

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Our apprenticeship programmes help preserve essential skills and develop tomorrow’s experts. We welcome new talent with fresh ideas and in return offer real responsibility, structured learning, and long‑term progression.

This programme is designed to develop you into a well-rounded, multiskilled colleague who understands the operational, environmental, and heritage considerations of working along the UK’s waterways.

Working Hours & Location

This role follows an annualized (1931 hours per annum) hours system, including 5 days out of 7 (could be weekends and statutory holidays). You’ll be based at our Minerva Wharf, Wolverhampton, WV1 3DT depot and travel across the West Midlands region, with occasional support in other areas.

Role Overview

As a Trust apprentice, you will be the public face of the Trust, working closely with volunteers and the public. Your work will include a mix of hands-on maintenance such as lock keeping, vegetation management and minor repairs alongside community-led improvement projects. You will help to manage teams of volunteers to support the important work we do.

Key Responsibilities

Carry out outdoor maintenance and repair of canal infrastructure
Operate locks, bridges, and other waterway assets safely and efficiently
Improve towpaths and waterside areas, including repairs, litter and environmental waste removal
Attend and support events to promote the Trust and recruit new volunteers.
Liaising with community groups to support volunteer groups under the guidance of the volunteer leader.
Undertaking work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme.
Demonstrate and promote the Trust’s values, ensuring inclusion and diversity are embedded in daily practice.

Training & Development

You don’t need any prior experience, we’ll teach you. What matters is you have a genuine interest in practical, hands-on work. You enjoy solving problems and feel comfortable working outside in all weathers.

You need to have a manual driving licence; this is mandatory due to the breadth of our network.

Training & Development

You will work towards the Level 3 Water Environment Worker apprenticeship standard with one of our expert training providers. You may be expected to stay away from home to attend training - all training related travel costs are paid for by the Trust. Whilst on-the-job, you will work with supportive colleagues to get the best out of your apprenticeship experience

The Canal & River Trust is committed to supporting apprentices to become experts in their field, offering structured development pathways and long-term career prospects.

Apprentice story: Aaron joined us as a Water Environment Apprentice and has been with us as a Volunteering Leader since and loves everything about working at the Trust – he has more recently started a Stepping into Management apprenticeship and is looking to take the next step in his career. See more here: Aaron's Story

Our apprentices complete a Water Environment Worker Apprenticeship. Details of the apprenticeship can be found here: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/water-environment-worker-v1-0

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

What We Offer

We offer a starting annual salary of £22,095. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1.

Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits

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Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us

Canal & River Trust

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