Anglian Water has opened applications for its upcoming graduate programme, which will see the water company welcome a record-breaking 21 candidates to its bespoke two-year programme, which is designed to expose them to a variety of roles across the business.

The graduate programme has historically focused on producing operational leaders to work in the company’s core operations: providing safe, clean drinking water, and then recycling it so it can be safely returned to the environment. But the next cohort, from September 2026, will include:

·       4 roles in Anglian Water’s digital and data team

·       1 roles in commercial operations

·       8 roles in strategic asset management

·       8 roles in the traditional water and water recycling operations

The scheme offers an exclusive opportunity to work in a core business areas of Anglian Water, where successful candidates will be supported by different placement managers across the East Anglian region. For the duration of each placement, candidates will learn brand new skills, knowledge and insights to help them grow and thrive as future leaders.

This spring, Anglian Water kicked off work on its largest ever business plan, which represents £11 billion worth of investment over the next five years. As part of this, the water company is prioritising tackling storm discharges and pollution, with £1 billion set aside for this. But there’s plenty more to do beyond the typical water and sewage engineering roles with several major infrastructure projects currently in development, including two new reservoirs in the Fens and Lincolnshire.

With so much important work to be done, graduates are being offered an opportunity to make meaningful change to the East of England, and get involved in some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects.

Ed Blythman joined the graduate scheme in 2024, focusing on asset management, and has already spent six months soaking up colleagues’ expertise in water and water recycling operations, as well as further placements in bioresources and asset performance teams. He was attracted by the opportunity to safeguard one of our most precious resources: water.

Ed said: “I was inspired to build a career where I could learn about and protect a resource many people take for granted. During my placements, I’ve seen so many different areas of he business, built connections, and witnessed the huge scale of operations that keep taps flowing and toilets flushing. I’ve also seen how my colleagues embrace challenges and truly live our values.”

Successful candidates won’t just have the opportunity to work across leadership, operational and project management roles on transformative projects – they’ll also be building a career for life, with a guaranteed permanent role in their chosen discipline for candidates who successfully finish the programme. 88% of the company’s former graduate recruits still work within the business five years after completing the programme, across leadership and subject matter expert roles in operations, biodiversity and project management.

Divya Sharma, a former graduate, now works as a manager on Anglian Water’s Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), delivering vital environmental protection and improvement schemes in the East of England’s precious natural environment.

Divya said: "The graduate placements gave me a broad understanding of the business, a strong network, and the confidence to hit the ground running in my role as WINEP Engagement Manager. I love the variety and the purpose-driven work. If you want a career that makes a real difference and invests in you, Anglian Water is the place to be.”

In order to apply, candidates will need:

·       A 2:2 degree or above in any subject (check the adverts carefully for specific disciplines)

·       To be someone who enjoys bringing people together, building strong relationships, and leading with purpose

·       To be natural collaborator, who can inspire and motivate others, and who is ready to make a real difference

·       A full UK driving licence – for some roles (check the adverts carefully for specific requirements)

Applications for operational roles on the 2026 graduate programme are open now until 15th September. Candidates can apply for data, commercial operations and strategic asset management roles from 8th – 22nd September. Apply online on our careers website.