Severn Trent has welcomed 168 new apprentices and graduates as part of its latest early careers programme, marking the company's largest-ever cohort of graduate hires. The Midlands-based water company says the intake offers opportunities to 'earn and learn' across 40 programmes.
Largest graduate intake in company history
The new cohort includes 68 graduates and 100 apprentices, all of whom are guaranteed employment with the company upon successful completion of their programmes. This represents a significant expansion of Severn Trent's early careers offering, which spans a wide range of roles across the business.
Kellie Emery, new talent lead at Severn Trent, said: "At a time when opportunities for young people can feel limited, it is really exciting to welcome our class of 2026. Our apprentices and graduates bring fresh ideas, a willingness to learn and a real desire to make a difference."
Removing barriers to entry
Severn Trent is working to remove English and maths GCSEs as entry requirements for some apprenticeships. The company's in-house academy offers functional skills training with a 100 per cent pass rate, ensuring that candidates without traditional qualifications can still access opportunities.
Ms Emery said: "Just because someone didn’t achieve their maths or English GCSE, doesn’t mean they’re not a great fit for our apprenticeships or business, and that shouldn’t stop them from having an opportunity."
Wider commitment to youth employment
Severn Trent’s apprenticeship and graduate programmes are part of a wider commitment to help young people take their first steps into work. The company is also creating 400 opportunities through its Youth Guarantee and offering 500 school-age work experience placements.
Matenneah Sesay, 22, from Coventry, said: "Getting a job after finishing uni was harder than I thought, and there’s a lot of competition out there. The placement I had was brilliant to learn more about the business and build experience, and then being successful on the graduate programme just feels amazing."
She will support Severn Trent’s place-based plans as part of her first role on the graduate scheme.
Programme details and qualifications
Apprenticeships with Severn Trent last between one and six years and lead to qualifications from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 6 (degree equivalent). This structure allows apprentices to progress at their own pace while gaining practical experience and recognised qualifications.
The company's early careers programme is designed to provide a pathway into employment for young people across the Midlands, with the new cohort now beginning their journey with the water company.
