You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need in this job. 

You could do the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Water Engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

You could do a:

• Water Process Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Water Industry Treatment Process Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Water Treatment Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These can take between 18 months and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could apply directly to work as a water treatment worker. 

Some employers might want you to have GCSEs in English, maths and a science at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

It might also be useful if you have experience of working in industrial plant maintenance. 

More information

You can find more advice about careers and training in the water industry through Energy and Utilities Jobs.

You'll need:

• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• knowledge of public safety and security
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• analytical thinking skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass a medical check

You'll need to be registered in one of the water industry safety passport schemes, supported by the Energy and Utilities Skills Register (EUSR). The safety passport proves that you are able to carry out work in the water industry.

As a water treatment worker, you could:

• operate equipment to treat sewage
• clean and maintain tanks and filters
• treat water with chemicals and microbes, take readings and keep records
• check drinking water samples for quality
• make sure the site is safe and secure

You could work in a control room.

Your working environment may be dirty, physically demanding, cramped, at height and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.