Instrumentation, Control, Automation (ICA) Graduate Programme

Are you looking for a unique engineering opportunity to gain direct access to world-leading experts through the sheer scale of its major projects? Our Instrumentation Control Automation Graduate Programme offers you the chance to learn and develop to achieve your Chartership and potentially go on to be leaders in our business.

Your varied journey with us as a graduate will see you working on above and below ground water and wastewater infrastructure. This means at times you could be required to travel anywhere across our Thames Valley region; from Reading to Swindon to East London and anywhere in-between.

We aim to set you up for success both now and in your future career as an engineer, with this in mind, we will look at your strengths and qualifications during the selection process and place you into the area we believe does this. Your graduate programme will provide the opportunity to rotate through various engineering departments across the Thames Water geography. We support the professional development of our engineers, and these rotations will provide the opportunity to gain the skills, experience and competencies needed to prepare you to off board into a role in Thames Water and work towards Chartered Engineering status.

What could you be doing as an Instrumentation, Control, Automation (ICA) Graduate Programme?

Our engineering placements vary from working in teams undertaking project design and sustainability, through to working on site undertaking construction supervision and project management roles. Areas that we tackle range widely from energy, carbon, sustainability, water & wastewater quality. As part of your charter ship journey you’ll be involved in various activities from:

• Designing training.
• Attending industry events.
• Data analysis.
• Project management.
• Solution design.
• Asset inspection and condition assessment.
• Working with suppliers and sub-contractors.
• Health & Safety auditing.
• Environmental management.
• Risk assessment.
• Funding processes.
• Stakeholder management.

You will also have time with your chartership mentor to work through your evidence and reports and the opportunity to attend forums with others going through the same process to share best practices.

What can you expect from the Engineering Graduate Programme?

All our graduates complete a two-year core graduate development programme. Throughout, you’ll have support from the managers and mentors in your business area. The programme has been designed around you to make sure you have the opportunity to maximise your potential. It has several elements that support you to start confidently in our business and develop your knowledge, skills and experience to succeed. You’ll be joining a network of graduates already in our business and will have all the support you need from day one. We review our programme each year, but the core elements include:

• Business and personal development modules.
• Health and safety training.
• A charity business challenge.
• Time to Give volunteering days.
• Coaching.
• Mentoring and buddying opportunities.

There are also opportunities to become STEM ambassadors at Thames Water to mentor and inspire the next generation of engineers.

There are also a wide variety of engineering opportunities for when you leave the graduate scheme, and Thames is very supportive of our employees’ career aspirations. Our engineering graduates can choose to move into individual contributor positions or leadership roles heading up teams within their specialism.

What kind of graduate are we looking for?

We are a diverse business and are looking for self-driven graduates who are confident stepping into new environments, adding value and whose values reflect ours:

• Reach higher, be better.
• Take care.
• Passionate about everything we do.
• Be respectful and value everyone.
• Be proud, be blue.

We’re looking for self-motivated, resilient and proactive engineers. Our graduates enjoy influencing colleagues and sharing ideas and creativity. They thrive on working with others, respecting their views and valuing the diversity around them. They are humble and decent and treat others the way they’d like to be treated. They also hold great passion for the industry we work in and our future aspirations.

Specifically for the Instrumentation Control Automation Engineering Graduate Programme, we are looking for people who are working towards (or have achieved) a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electronic engineering/ Computer Science/ Applied Physics/ Physics/ Computer Engineering/ Systems Engineering or a similar engineering degree. You will be involved in the design of ICA systems. In doing so, you will be exposed to a multitude of exciting areas, such as Low and High voltage systems, control systems, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations and much more.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.
Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Application process:
To find out more about the application process, visit the Graduates section on our Careers website.