Leakage operative
Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
Currently employed in Scotland
Jobs forecast
This information is supplied by LMI For All, where data is currently available for Scotland.
What's it like?
You would use specialist equipment to find leaks in water pipes and then arrange repairs to save water. People would depend on you to quickly get their water running again whenever there was a problem.
You would carry out planned surveys and also respond to emergencies, making sure that the water supply is disrupted as little as possible.
Because there is often no visible sign of a leak, you would use specialist equipment to examine water flowing in and out of an area to find out where any leaks are.
You would:
- Inspect customers' water supply
- Monitor water system leakage
- Attach leakage detection equipment to pipes
- Measure water pressure and flow
- Record data from the detection equipment and use it to narrow down your search area
- Listen for sounds that might indicate a leak, using acoustics and noise logging equipment
- Notify a repair team to come out and fix the leak
The conditions will often be uncomfortable, wet and dirty. You’d need to make sure you follow health and safety regulations.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
Part-time
Self employed
Top skills
Here are some of the skills that people in this job would be most likely to have:
- Communicating with people
- Working as part of a team
- Following instructions
- Working on your own
- Repairing and fixing
- Finding solutions to problems
Build your skills
Your skills can help you choose the career that’s right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
To understand more, have a look at what are my skills?
Keep track of your skills in your account and find the jobs, opportunities and courses that suit you.
Click here to view / add your skillsGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
You could do a Modern Apprenticeship in the Water Industry. Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary but employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
If you are not joining the industry through an Apprenticeship you do not always need formal qualifications.
Useful subjects
- Maths (required by most employers)
- Science subjects (required by most employers)
- English
- Technologies subjects such as engineering science
Helpful to have
Previous experience of a technical role in:
- construction
- plumbing
- building services engineering or
- plant maintenance
A driving licence is useful for some jobs.
Related industries
