Taking care of ‘one of life’s essentials’ – it’s our purpose and we want you to be part of it. Supplying wholesome drinking water, treating wastewater and recycling this back to the environment responsibly is no mean feat. We serve around 8 million people across the Midlands and Wales and unlike other businesses, our delivery is non-negotiable. It’s a matter of life.
Many of our employees are also our customers, so we truly take pride in what we do! Employing people from across our communities and beyond, Severn Trent is an exciting and inclusive place to work – a place where you can be curious, can be ‘Wonderfully You’ and where you can truly make an impact to our environment, now and for future generations.
Let's tell you more
Our Innovation Science Summer Placement Programme offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that is driving innovation and scientific advancements at Severn Trent Water. Along with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects, you will gain valuable skills and experience in the field of innovation science.
A day in the life of an Innovation Science Summer Placement participant at Severn Trent involves a wide variety of tasks, focusing on activities such as:
- Conducting research and development on new technologies and processes.
- Assisting in the design and implementation of innovative solutions to improve water and wastewater services.
- Performing data analysis and modeling to support innovation projects.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and develop new business opportunities.
- Supporting the development and testing of prototypes and pilot projects.
- Engaging in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards in all innovation activities.
- Practicing self-learning to stay updated with the latest scientific and technological advancements.
In addition to daily tasks, there are plenty of opportunities to expand your network through social events and engagement activities across the department. This is vital for successful collaboration with cross-functional teams within the company.
You’ll spend time supporting projects that include designing and implementing new innovative solutions from scratch. You will be assigned a work package from this programme and have the opportunity to see it through from conception to delivery as a new Severn Trent business-as-usual process.
There are likely to be other targeted projects too, based on continuous improvements we need to make either to internal team processes or wider business processes relating to innovation and technology.
What will you learn?
You’ll gain a strong business and commercial acumen, working alongside the Innovation team, which is responsible for ensuring Severn Trent is at the forefront of technological advancements and innovation. The team works closely with colleagues in various departments to support the development and implementation of innovative solutions across the organisation.
How will the programme work?
You will be based at Severn Trent Centre in Coventry, or Raynesway in Derby. You will be able to complete either an 8 week or 12 week placement depending on your preference as well as what the business area currently has on from a project perspective.
In this exciting programme, you will have the chance to discuss your development and career ambitions in your 1-1 meetings with business leads, mentors, and the New Talent Team.
About the placement
- Location: Severn Trent Centre, Coventry, CV1 2LZ
- Raynesway, Derby, DE21 7BE
- Programme Duration: 8 or 12 weeks
- Starting Salary: £22,011 pro rata
- Entry Criteria: Studying for a degree ideally in Innovation Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field. You must be currently studying at a UK university and be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.
What we're looking for
We want our employees to care and to have a genuine passion for what we do as a business. We need people who want to make a difference in providing a vital service to our customers, now and for the long-term.
We’d love you to be someone with:
- A ‘can do’ attitude – willing to get stuck in, take accountability for decisions and actions, and who takes pride in their work.
- A love of variety in a role and ability to adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced working environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think creatively and innovatively.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively.
- An understanding of scientific principles and practices, including research and development, data analysis, and project management.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse teams.
- Curiosity to learn quickly in a reactive and dynamic working environment.
- Drive and motivation to develop yourself and achieve your goals
Diversity and inclusion
At Severn Trent we are passionate about our people. We want to make sure that we continue to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and cohesive culture that represents the communities and customers we serve. We’re making sure we keep up the progress with our wonderful working groups – LGBTQ+, Women in Operations & STEM, Disability and Ethnicity, who help us with our commitments. Find out more about our commitments to Diversity and Inclusion at Severn Trent.
Let's go
Apply now to build an amazing career and be part of a brilliant team. We can’t wait to hear from you.
- Roles close on 15th January 2025
- Check your diary – face to face assessments will run at the end of January and Early February
- Start Date 2nd June for a 12 week placement and 30th June for an 8 week placement