Thames Water welcomes new apprentices following a record number of applicants

• Thames Water has welcomed new apprentices this September, following a record 9,908 applications for 145 apprenticeship roles starting in May and September 2026
• The roles span engineering, finance, data, project management, communications, repair and maintenance, offering the chance to earn while learning and gain recognised qualifications
• The new apprentices, will support Thames Water’s work in delivering the biggest network upgrade in 150 years

Thames Water welcomed its latest cohort of apprentices this September, following a record response to its 2026 apprenticeship programme. Almost 10,000 applications were submitted for 145 roles, the highest number in the company’s history.(1) 

The milestone followed the launch of the application process during National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026) for roles spanning engineering, finance, data, communications, project management and repair and maintenance.

Thames Water ranks in the national top 10 for both apprenticeship and graduate programmes, placing first in Energy and Utilities for apprentices and second for graduates in The JobCrowd 2026/27 rankings.

JobCrowd is a major industry benchmark, with hundreds of employers taking part. The rankings are based on anonymous feedback from apprentices and graduates. 

The strong demand reflects a wider shift in attitudes towards on-the-job learning. Research of 2,000 people aged 16-25 by Thames Water (2) found that 75% of young people aged 16-25 in London and the Thames Valley believe apprenticeships are more beneficial than attending university, with four in five saying they want careers that get them outdoors (80%) and help the environment (84%). 

Thames Water’s apprenticeship programmes offer the opportunity to earn while learning, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and secure long-term careers.  Apprenticeships are available from entry to degree level, with successful candidates guaranteed a role upon completion of their training. Over the past five years, the company’s completion rate is 82%, with Level 3 Engineering at 91%. The national apprenticeship completion average is 65%.

The September intake follows the first 2026 cohort of repair and maintenance (R&M) and warehouse apprentices who started in May. Together, the new apprentices will receive hands-on training to support the teams that help deliver water and wastewater services for 16 million customers across London, the Thames Valley and surrounding areas. 

Thames Water has started the biggest upgrade to its network in 150 years, with the company investing more than £20 billion over five years to fix leaks, reduce pollution and protect water quality. The apprenticeship programme is helping to build the skills needed to support that work and the company’s long-term operations.

Karima Khandker, Director of Resourcing, Skills, Learning and EDI at Thames Water, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome our new apprentices this September following an incredible response to our 2026 programme. The record number of applications, alongside our national top 10 rankings for both apprenticeships and graduate programmes in The JobCrowd 2026/27, shows the strength of our early careers offer and the value people place on earning while learning and building a career with purpose. 
“As we deliver the biggest upgrade to our infrastructure in 150 years, we're investing not only in pipes, pumps and treatment works, but also in the skilled people who will help deliver that work for decades to come.
“Our apprenticeships offer the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to essential services that support communities and protect the environment.  We look forward to supporting our new apprentices as they develop their skills and begin their careers with us.”

Jaden, a Water Network Operative Apprentice at Thames Water, who started at the company in May, said:
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and support I’ve received since starting my apprenticeship with Thames Water. Everyone I’ve met has been welcoming and supportive, which has made a huge difference as I begin my career.
“I was recently unemployed, so having this opportunity is massive, not just for me, but for my family and my future. It’s given me clear goals and ambitions in a career I’m excited to build.”

Lily, a Communications Apprentice at Thames Water, who started at the company in September, said: 
“Having come straight from doing my A-levels to starting as an apprentice at Thames, I am so grateful for the support from everyone. Whether it was a query throughout the process to meeting the team, everyone is always happy to help. I applied for an apprenticeship at Thames Water as I knew I wanted to further my education but was not keen on the idea of university. With this apprenticeship, I will be able to gain knowledge which I can directly apply to my work whilst being given new opportunities throughout. Working for a company like Thames is rewarding as you know the work you do makes a difference in providing life’s essential service.”

Thames Water is committed to creating careers and building a skilled workforce for the future of the water sector. It is strengthening skills pipelines through local communities and the education sector, while creating long-term employment and learning opportunities. The company also supports initiatives including the Care Leavers Covenant, Armed Forces Covenant, and works with organisations such as 10,000 Black Interns to widen access to careers across the business.

Find out more about Thames Water Careers: Home - Thames Water Careers

1. Apprenticeship applicant numbers for roles starting in May and September 2026 totalled 9908.
2. 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.