Process and Chemical Engineering Industry Placement 2026 - 32745

Overview

Shape Your Future with an Industry Placement. Want to make a real difference for people and the environment? At the Environment Agency, we're looking for passionate individuals to help tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges. Our 12-month industry placements, starting in September, offer hands-on experience while building skills that matter. This is more than a placement, it's an opportunity to learn, grow, and explore career pathways that could lead to your next big step. You'll work with our Regulated Industry teams, supporting UK businesses to reduce environmental impacts and improve process safety. From chemicals and refineries to metals, you'll see how we regulate industry to protect people and the planet.

During your placement, you'll gain experience in:

• Data management and analysis
• Environmental regulation and compliance
• Evaluating environmental impact
• Carbon reduction and industrial transition
• Developing environmental standards
• Incident management and enforcement
• Partnership working and public engagement

Responsibilities and activities

You will rotate through three areas: Permitting, Local Operations, and Environment & Business. From reviewing permit applications to supporting regulatory officers and delivering a technical project, you'll see the direct impact of our work and how we help industry operate sustainably—balancing environmental protection with economic benefit.

Experience/skills and Qualifications

We’re looking for someone with a genuine interest in the environment and a passion for creating a better place for people and wildlife. You’ll bring curiosity, flexibility, and determination to make positive change happen.

You should be studying (or have studied) a Chemical or Process Engineering degree accredited by IChemE. Skills that will help you succeed include:

• Team working
• Confidence with data
• Problem-solving
• Engineering knowledge
• Health and safety awareness

Experience doesn’t have to come from paid work alone. Volunteering, sports teams, or social clubs all count.

Eligibility criteria

To join our Industry Placement, you’ll need to meet all the following criteria:

• You're a UK, Commonwealth, or EEA national and have the right to work in the UK.
• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree, or an integrated master’s program, and be in their penultimate year of study, or have graduated within the last year (from June 2025 onwards).

Benefits and eligibility information

We’re committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. You’ll receive full training, equipment, and support during induction, plus a generous benefits package:

• Pension: Around 19% contribution to a career-average scheme invested in ethical, renewable energy businesses.
• Leave: 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, for work-life balance.
• Flexibility: Full-time role with hybrid options, flexible hours, and time back for overtime.

Application process

We’ve kept things simple so you can focus on showing your potential:

1. Apply Online – Tell us about your skills, motivations, and why you’re excited to join
2. Behaviour – Based Assessment (BBA). Complete an interactive, game-style assessment measuring natural behaviours and potential. Practice options available
3. Shortlisting – We’ll review your application and assessment results
4. Interview – If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to one virtual interview

More details, including support for neurodiverse candidates and what to expect from the assessment, are in the Candidate Pack attached. After you have submitted your application, you will be sent a link to Arctic Shores to complete an online assessment. If you think you may require any reasonable adjustments, please contact eacareerentry@environment-agency.gov.uk.

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