Tap into your future: Applications open for 145 apprenticeship positions at Thames Water

• Thames Water is offering 145 apprenticeship positions with college through to degree-level programmes available  
• All apprentices are guaranteed employment once they successfully complete their qualification. 
• The Thames Water Early Careers Resourcing Team will host a webinar on Wednesday 11 February, giving candidates an insight into the apprenticeships available at Thames Water and tips for becoming a successful applicant.

Thames Water has today (9 February) opened applications for 145 apprenticeships, offering potential candidates and career changers the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain industry recognised qualifications, and build long term careers in essential water and wastewater services.  

All Thames Water apprentices are guaranteed employment once they successfully complete their qualification. As well as being recognised as a Top Company for Apprentices to Work For (2025/26) by The JobCrowd, Thames Water also offers all apprentices two ‘time-to-give’ days where they can volunteer for community and charity projects.

College and degree level apprenticeships are available including roles in: 

• Engineering  
• Project management  
• HGV driving  
• Finance  
• Repair and maintenance 
• Data analytics 
• Laboratory scientist

Research by Thames Water has found that 75% of young people aged 16-25 in London and the Thames Valley believe apprenticeships are more beneficial than attending university; however nearly half of those surveyed (43%) were concerned they were too old for an apprenticeship1.  

Thames Water’s apprenticeships have no upper age limit, and the company is encouraging applications from a wide range of backgrounds, including those changing careers. 

To view apprenticeship opportunities available, visit Thames Water’s Early Careers website. 

Thames Water is also hosting a webinar for potential applicants to find out more about early careers at the company on Wednesday 11 February, 5:00pm-6.00pm.

Hollie Cook, is a higher mechanical engineering apprentice. She is now in her fourth year of a five-year degree apprenticeship with Thames Water. She said:  

“When I joined Thames Water straight from college, I knew I wanted a hands-on career where I could learn on the job, earn a salary, and avoid student debt, and my apprenticeship has given me exactly that. I love how many opportunities there are across the business, from engineering to business improvement, and how supportive the company is in helping me balance my degree with fulltime work. I’ll soon be stepping into the engineering world with both a qualification and five years of real experience behind me, and I’m really glad I chose this route.” 

Karima Khandker, Director of Resourcing, Skills, EDI, Learning and Development at Thames Water, said: “Our purpose is to deliver life’s essential service, and we know prospective candidates increasingly want careers which contribute to their local community, help the environment, and provide valuable hands-on experience. Our apprenticeships are designed to do just that.    

“As we embark on the biggest upgrade to our network in 150 years, we’re looking for people who want to help us make a real difference for our customers and the environment. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a new direction, there has never been a better time to join the water industry. Every apprentice who qualifies is guaranteed a job with us, and we’re excited to welcome our 2026 cohort.”  

Thames Water is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce by building a pipeline of skills through local communities, education partners, and lifelong opportunities for employees. The company supports the Care Leavers Covenant, Armed Forces Covenant, and collaborates with groups like 10,000 Black Interns to create employment opportunities within the business. In addition to increasing inhouse apprenticeships for current employees, Thames Water has a shared apprenticeship scheme within its supply chain to build sector-wide capability – a first of its kind in the water sector.

1.The research was undertaken by Opinion Matters, which surveyed 2,000 16-25 year olds, living in London, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire between 20/08/2025 and 02/09/2025. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.