At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sustainability initiatives and help reduce environmental impact across operations.
- Company: Join OCU, a fast-growing utility and infrastructure business making a real difference.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, structured training, and a clear career progression path.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation, accountability, and continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on communities and the environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sustainability or related field with a passion for environmental stewardship.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
You'll play a key role in supporting OCU's sustainability ambitions and helping the business deliver positive environmental, social and economic outcomes across its operations and projects. Based in the Midlands, you'll work as part of our Sustainability team, contributing to initiatives that support responsible business practices, reduce environmental impact and create lasting value for the communities we serve.
You'll gain exposure to a broad range of sustainability activities, working closely with operational teams, SHEQ professionals, clients and business stakeholders to help embed sustainable practices across the organisation. You'll support the development, implementation and monitoring of sustainability programmes, assisting with data collection, reporting, compliance and continuous improvement initiatives that contribute to OCU's sustainability objectives.
As part of the role, you'll assist with environmental and sustainability reporting, carbon reduction initiatives, waste management programmes, social value projects and the monitoring of key sustainability performance indicators. You'll help analyse data, identify trends and support the delivery of projects that improve environmental performance, enhance resource efficiency and contribute to net zero and wider sustainability commitments.
The role will involve collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders and may include travel to operational and project sites across the region, providing valuable practical experience of how sustainability is integrated into real-world infrastructure and utility projects. As your skills and confidence grow, you'll take on increasing responsibility, develop strong stakeholder engagement and project management skills, and become an important contributor to OCU's sustainability journey.
Perfect for
- Graduates who are passionate about sustainability and want to make a positive impact through environmental stewardship, social responsibility and responsible business practices.
- Inquisitive, proactive and motivated to drive positive change, with strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Someone who enjoys working with data, engaging with stakeholders and developing solutions to complex sustainability challenges.
- Those keen to develop their understanding of environmental management, carbon reduction, social value, ESG principles and sustainable business practices while working alongside experienced sustainability professionals and operational teams.
- Individuals who enjoy balancing strategic initiatives with practical implementation, helping to deliver meaningful sustainability outcomes that support communities, protect the environment and contribute to OCU's long-term success.
Entry Requirements
- A degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Geography, Climate Change, Ecology, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Business, or a related discipline with a minimum 2:2 classification.
- An interest in sustainability, environmental performance, ESG, carbon management or social value through academic projects, placements, internships, volunteering or personal development would be advantageous.
- A full UK driving licence would be beneficial due to occasional travel across operational and project sites within the region.
Training Programme
Our 2 year Graduate Programme combines structured training with hands‑on experience, giving you real responsibility from day one. You'll learn directly alongside industry experts in a collaborative, supportive environment. We invest in your continuous professional development, giving you the tools, confidence and clear progression path to build a long term career within OCU.
To ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to join our team, please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment and interview process, by emailing recruitment@ocugroup.com.
At OCU Group, we don’t just deliver infrastructure - we help power modern life. As one of the UK’s fastest-growing utility and infrastructure businesses, we deliver complex, nationally critical projects across power, energy transition, water, telecoms, and digital infrastructure.
Our growth is driven by ambitious people, operational excellence, and a commitment to doing things properly. We work on projects that genuinely matter by supporting the UK’s energy transition, strengthening essential infrastructure, and helping build more sustainable communities for the future.
Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to take ownership of major projects and influence delivery at scale, or someone starting your career through an apprenticeship, graduate programme, or placement route, OCU offers real opportunity to grow, develop, and make an impact.
We are building a business where high performance, collaboration, innovation, and accountability sit at the centre of our culture. Our people are trusted to lead, encouraged to challenge thinking, and supported to continuously develop their skills and careers. At OCU, you won’t just join a growing business, you’ll help shape it.
Our Culture & Values
At OCU, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We care about safety, lead with integrity, strive to be better every day, make a positive impact, and deliver to grow, together, as One Company United.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At OCU Group, we believe diversity, inclusion, and belonging are fundamental to building stronger teams, better ideas, and a more successful business. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
As part of our commitment to fairness and equality, candidates may be asked to complete an equal opportunities monitoring form during the recruitment process. This information is used for monitoring purposes only and plays no part in hiring decisions.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to offering interviews to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Sustainability Graduate - Midlands - 2027 in Stafford employer: OCU Group
At OCU, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Greenwich where Quantity Surveyors can thrive. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our 'Careers with Purpose' initiative, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported while working on significant infrastructure projects. With competitive remuneration, opportunities for career progression, and a collaborative culture, OCU is the ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Graduate - Midlands - 2027 in Stafford
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like OCU Group that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like OCU Group that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like OCU Group. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like OCU Group when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Graduate - Midlands - 2027 in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with OCU Group's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Sustainability Graduate - Midlands - 2027.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research OCU Group and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that OCU Group is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Sustainability Graduate - Midlands - 2027.
How to prepare for a job interview at OCU Group
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with OCU Group.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at OCU Group.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of OCU Group. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
