At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise water treatment processes while gaining hands-on engineering experience.
- Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater provider.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary, enjoy generous leave, and access health and wellbeing perks.
- Other info: Flexible working, diverse culture, and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Kick-start your engineering career with a Level 6 degree and real-world impact.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, plus 96+ UCAS points.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Ready to kick-start your future in engineering? Join us as a Level 6 Chemical/Process Engineering Apprentice and you'll gain hands‐on experience supporting the UK's largest water and wastewater provider. Work with skilled engineers and earn a Level 6 Science Industry Process and Plant Engineering degree, opening the door to a long‐term career.
What you'll be doing as a Chemical/Process Engineering Apprentice:
- Assist in designing and optimising water and wastewater treatment processes to meet regulatory and environmental standards
- Provide operational support by monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and implementing improvements
- Contribute to multidisciplinary project teams with planning, risk assessment, and technical documentation
- Collect and analyse operational data to ensure compliance and identify efficiency opportunities
- Follow Health, Safety & Environment protocols, aligning work with CDM regulations and sustainability goals
Where you'll work:
- Location: Clearwater Court Reading – Hybrid
- Hours: 36-hour week over four working days plus one training day
- Start date: September 2026
Training and qualification:
You'll study with Teesside University, a leading UK engineering training provider, through fully online delivery with a 3‐day block at the start of each semester, weekly 2‐hour online sessions, and optional bi‐annual industry days on campus in Middlesbrough.
Qualification achieved: Level 6 Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer Degree
Duration: Permanent contract with a 60‐month structured programme
What you should bring to the role:
- Holds 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade 9‐4 / A‐C)
- 96+ UCAS points, including Level 3 Maths (A‐Level or BTEC Engineering Unit 7 – Calculus for solving engineering problems)
- Travel across Thames Water sites required
- Good communication and time management skills
- Works well within a team as well as independently
What's in it for you?
- Excellent salary: £23,500 annum
- Annual Leave: 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Performance‐related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON
- Access to a range of benefits to support health, wellbeing and finances – from annual health MOTs and physiotherapy and counselling to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
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.
Engineering Degree Chemical L6 Apprentice - Reading in London employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring engineers to gain hands-on experience while pursuing a Level 6 Chemical/Process Engineering degree. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, you will be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a positive impact on communities and the environment. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and performance-related pay, all while contributing to the UK's largest water and wastewater provider in the vibrant location of Reading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Degree Chemical L6 Apprentice - Reading in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Thames Water and understand their values, projects, and culture. 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
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to engineering and teamwork. Think about examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and how you align with Thames Water's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Thames Water and ready to kick-start your career in engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Degree Chemical L6 Apprentice - Reading in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! Share why you're excited about the Chemical/Process Engineering field and how you see yourself contributing to Thames Water's mission.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that align with the job description, especially your GCSEs and UCAS points.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This way, you can ensure your application reaches the right people and stands out in our system!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of chemical and process engineering. Brush up on key concepts related to water and wastewater treatment processes, as well as any relevant regulations. This will show your interviewers that you're genuinely interested and prepared for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this apprenticeship, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to multidisciplinary project teams, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about the specific projects you might work on or how the team approaches problem-solving. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for engineering and your eagerness to learn and grow within the company.
