SMS Environmental
Trainee Water Treatment Engineer

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Trainee Water Treatment Engineer
Reading | Permanent | Salary up to £26k
Looking to build a career rather than just find another job?
If you're practical, enjoy hands-on work and want to learn a specialist trade with full training and genuine opportunities to progress, we'd love to hear from you.
Join SMS Environmental
Join SMS Environmental, one of the UK's leading independent water hygiene specialists, and begin your career in an industry that helps keep buildings and water systems safe and compliant across the UK.
About the Role
As a Trainee Water Treatment Engineer (which internally is known as a Critical Maintenance Engineer), you'll work alongside experienced engineers, receive industry-leading training and gain valuable hands-on experience across a variety of customer sites. No two days are the same, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys practical work, travelling to different locations and learning new skills.
What you'll be doing
As part of our Engineering team, you'll carry out planned water hygiene and water treatment activities, including:
- Temperature monitoring
- Water flushing
- Cleaning and disinfecting shower heads
- Inspecting and cleaning water storage tanks and systems
- Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) inspections and maintenance
- Recording completed work using our in-house software on an iPad
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Working across a variety of customer sites, you'll build specialist knowledge while delivering a high standard of service and helping our clients maintain safe water systems.
What we're looking for
No previous water treatment or water hygiene experience is required—we'll provide all the training you need. We're looking for someone who:
- Enjoys practical, hands-on work
- Has a positive attitude and a willingness to learn
- Takes pride in delivering high-quality work
- Has excellent communication and customer service skills
- Is confident using an iPad or similar technology
- Holds a full UK manual driving licence
- Has the right to work in the UK
Experience in a hands-on or trade-based role, such as plumbing, construction, maintenance, engineering, facilities management, or similar, would be advantageous, but it's by no means essential. If you've got the right attitude, we'll help you develop the technical skills.
What's in it for you?
We believe your hard work deserves to be recognised. That's why we offer a benefits package that supports your wellbeing, rewards your commitment, and helps you build a long-term career with us.


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- 37.5-hour working week (Monday-Friday) with overtime paid at double time
- Company vehicle and fuel card for business travel
- Company iPad and mobile phone
- Full uniform, tools, and PPE provided
- City & Guilds affiliated training programme to support your professional development
- Clear career progression opportunities within a growing business
- Private Medical Care or a Healthcare Cash Plan after two years' service
- Enhanced Company Sick Pay, Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Employee Discount Scheme, helping you save up to £240 per month on food and groceries
- A supportive team where your contribution is valued, and your development is encouraged
Why join SMS Environmental?
At SMS Environmental, we know our people are our greatest asset. That's why we're committed to providing the training, tools, and opportunities you need to build a rewarding career.
If you're looking for a role that offers variety, practical work, recognised training, and the chance to develop specialist skills in a growing industry, we'd love to hear from you.
Ready to start your journey?
Apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding career with SMS Environmental.
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