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.
The roles span engineering, finance, data, project management, communications, repair and maintenance, offering the chance to earn while learning and gain recognised qualifications
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.
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.
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