Waste Management Graduate Programme

Company: Thames Water
Apply for the Waste Management Graduate Programme
Location: Greater London
Job Description:

Overview

Are you ready to play a key role in keeping communities thriving and protecting the environment? At Thames Water, our two-year Learning to Lead Waste Management Graduate Programme gives you the chance to rotate through two hands-on operational placements, tackling the challenges of collecting and treating millions of litres of wastewater every day.

What you’ll be doing as a Waste Management Graduate

Year 1: North London Region

Support the Head of Region and senior leadership by driving key initiatives and strategic priorities. Gain frontline exposure, coordination experience, and insight into high-impact decision-making while working across functions, for a full view of waste operations.

Year 2: Beckton Sewage Treatment Works/Thames Water sites in East London

Learn to step into a leadership role within the Waste team, you will support managing day-to-day operations and driving improvements in wastewater treatment. Work with the site team to lead a multi-skilled team, monitor performance, ensure compliance, and champion operational excellence.

Beyond the Programme

Progress into a frontline leadership role with ownership of operational teams and site performance, or specialise in a technical area depending on your skills and interests.

Across your two‑year journey, you’ll be empowered by dedicated mentors and managers, with opportunities to:

  • Accelerate your business and personal growth through real-world development experiences
  • Build essential safety confidence with hands‑on health and safety training
  • Make a difference by getting involved in meaningful charity projects and personalised coaching
  • Expand your network through mentoring and collaboration with fellow graduates
  • Inspire future talent by becoming a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics’ ambassador

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is

  • Achieved or working towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the following disciplines: Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Management, Construction Management, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology or Hydrogeology, Chemistry, STEM or management related degree
  • A full driving license, access to own vehicle and business travel insurance is required due to travel across your assigned region
  • A self-motivated, adaptable mindset confident in stepping into new environments

What’s in it for you?

  • Location: Year 1 – Travel required across the North London region. Year 2 – Beckton Sewage Treatment Works or a Thames Water site in East London
  • 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
  • Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
  • Generous Pension Scheme through AON
  • Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance

Find out more about our Graduate recruitment process here

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Posted: April 11th, 2026