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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support change initiatives and ensure smooth transitions for customers and teams.
- Company: Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
- Benefits: £23,000 salary, 24 days holiday, health perks, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse team while learning about change management.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a business degree and a passion for change management.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with meaningful career opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 18400 - 27600 £ per year.
Are you interested in how large organisations manage change and make sure new ways of working are successfully adopted? At Thames Water, our one year Business Readiness Industrial Placement gives you the opportunity to support the delivery of change across our Retail division, helping to ensure improvements are introduced smoothly for both customers and employees.
What You’ll Be Doing Across Your Placement Year
You’ll support the successful delivery of change across our Retail division, helping ensure new initiatives are well-planned, clearly communicated, and smoothly embedded into everyday operations. The role focuses on understanding the impact of change and supporting teams to transition confidently into business as usual.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting the implementation of change initiatives with a strong focus on customer engagement
- Helping assess the impact of changes on both customers and the business
- Working with teams to promote best practice in change delivery and communication
- Supporting capacity planning to ensure changes can be delivered effectively
- Contributing to business readiness planning, governance, and approvals
- Helping ensure a smooth transition from change delivery into the business
What You Should Bring to the Role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:
- Working towards a business degree or related discipline
- Interest in change management
We’re looking for enthusiastic and curious individuals who enjoy working with others and learning new skills. You’ll be someone who likes sharing ideas, asking questions, and contributing as part of a supportive and diverse team.
What’s In It For You?
- Salary: £23,000
- Location: Reading, Clearwater Court– Hybrid (with travel to Swindon)
- Duration: 1 year placement, starting September 2026 until August 2027
- 24 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
- Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance
Next Steps
Apply online by completing the application form for the role. Complete the online pre‑screen and assessment sent to you by email after you apply. This stage helps us get to know you better and may include:
- Questions about your values, personality, and how you would handle different situations
- Reasoning exercises (including verbal, numerical, mechanical, or inductive), depending on the programme
Upload evidence of your degree(s), or a letter from your university if you are currently studying, when requested. Record a video interview so we can learn more about you and your motivations. If successful, attend an interview which will take place from March 2026.
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.
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 meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, 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 and meet colleagues.
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.
Business Readiness Industrial Placement - Reading in England employer: Thames Water
Contact Detail:
Thames Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Readiness Industrial Placement - Reading in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Thames Water! Research their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your video interview skills! Since you'll be recording a video interview, make sure to rehearse your answers to common questions. Keep it natural and let your enthusiasm for change management shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or past employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the company culture and what it’s like to work in the Retail division, which could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest updates and opportunities directly from Thames Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Readiness Industrial Placement - Reading in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for change management shine through in your application. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to making a difference at Thames Water.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits into our vision for the Business Readiness Industrial Placement.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to understand your thoughts and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Change Management Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key concepts of change management. Understand how large organisations like Thames Water implement changes and the importance of customer engagement. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've supported change or worked in a team. Whether it’s a project at university or a group activity, be ready to discuss how you contributed to successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your practical understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company culture. Inquire about how Thames Water measures the success of change initiatives or what challenges they face in customer engagement. This shows that you're not just interested in the position but also in the company's mission and values.
✨Show Enthusiasm and Curiosity
During the interview, let your passion for learning and working with others shine through. Share your eagerness to contribute to a supportive team and your excitement about the opportunity to make a difference at Thames Water. A positive attitude can leave a lasting impression!
