Leakage operative Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a leakage operative, it would be your job to find leaks in the water distribution network, so that as little water as possible is wasted through damaged pipes. You would carry out planned surveys and also respond to emergencies, making sure that water supply is disrupted as little as possible.

Because there is often no visible sign of a leak, one of your main tasks would be to use specialist equipment to examine water flowing in and out of an area, to find where any leaks are. Your work would include:

• inspecting customers' water supply
• monitoring water system leakage
• attaching leakage detection equipment to pipes
• measuring water pressure and flow
• recording data from the equipment and using it to narrow down your search area
• listening for sounds that might indicate a leak (using acoustics and leak noise correlator machines)
• notifying a repair team to come out and fix the leak.

In some jobs you may be known as a leakage controller, technician or engineer.

Hours

You would usually work a shift pattern including nights (as it is easier to detect leaks when there is less background noise and water use). You may also be on a standby rota for emergencies that happen outside normal working hours. Overtime may be available.

You would work outside in all weather conditions, sometimes underground inside water pipes. Conditions may be wet and dirty, and the work can involve bending and kneeling.

Income

• Apprentices typically earn around £12,000 a year.
• This will rise to between £17,000 and £20,000 after training.
• Supervisors and leakage managers can earn £25,000 or more.

Overtime may be available to increase salaries.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You would often get into this job through an Apprenticeship.

The Apprenticeship in the Water Industry is open to individuals of any age and does not impose any restrictions to entry. Responsibility for selection and recruitment of apprentices lies with the employer who will have a clear idea of their requirements.

The qualifications included within the Advanced Level Apprenticeship (level 3) are demanding and many employers will look for applicants who have gained 3-5 GCSE's at grade C or above in English, Maths and a science subject, to demonstrate an ability to complete the Apprenticeship. The qualifications within the Intermediate Level Apprenticeship (level 2) are less complex and consequently employers may relax their recruitment criteria. Applicants with grades D-E in the same GCSE subjects will normally be considered for an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship.

The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

If you are not joining the industry through an Apprenticeship, you do not always need formal qualifications, but you will find it useful to have previous experience in construction, plumbing, building services engineering or plant maintenance.

An employer may want you to have a full driving licence.

Training and development

During your initial training you would learn about the water distribution system and how it can be affected by the age of the pipes, how they were laid and the material they are made from.

You would learn on the job and also the chance to gain one or more of the following qualifications to prove your competence:

• Level 2 Certificate in Leakage Detection
• Level 2 Diploma in Distribution Control
• Level 3 Diploma in Leakage Control
• Level 3 Certificate in Maintain Water Supply Network
• Level 2 Diploma in Water Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Water Engineering

The qualifications include work-based assessments as well as study at a local college to gain a technical certificate. See the Energy & Utility Skills website for more details of qualifications and training providers.

Some employers may support you with further training to progress to professional engineering technician status and supervisory jobs. You could eventually become an Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer with further study and professional development.

Skills and knowledge

• good problem-solving skills
• good levels of concentration
• willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
• the ability to follow detailed instructions
• awareness of health and safety
• the ability to work as part of a small team and also on your own initiative
• good communication skills
• willingness to work unsocial hours.

More information

Energy & Utility Skills
Friars Gate
1011 Stratford Road
Shirley
Solihull
B90 4BN
Tel: 0845 077 9922
www.euskills.co.uk

Water UK
1 Queen Anne's Gate
London
SW1H 9BT
www.water.org.uk

Society of British Water and Wastewater Industries (SBWWI)
38 Holly Walk
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
CV32 4LY
Tel: 01926 831530
www.sbwwi.co.uk

Opportunities

You could work for regional water companies, or engineering firms that subcontract to water companies. You can find company contact details on the Members’ area of the Water UK website.

With experience, you could progress to become a team leader or leakage manager. Alternatively, with further training and study you could become an engineering technician or an incorporated water engineer.

Jobs may be advertised by the local press, Jobcentre Plus, specialist recruitment agencies and employers themselves.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):

• Water UK (list of member companies)
• SBWWI (list of member companies)
• Just Utilities.net
• Utility Job Search

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