Kick-start your career with a 12-month professional placement
As the economic regulator of water and wastewater in England and Wales, our role is to enable, incentivise and hold water companies to account for providing the very best for customers, society and the environment now and in the future.
Shaping the future of water regulation
The water sector is entering a new chapter. Following the Independent Water Commission’s final report, the UK government has set out a bold new direction – one that brings together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment.
Ofwat is working in collaboration with the government and other regulators to help establish a new body for England, combining our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency, and Natural England. We’re also continuing to engage with the Welsh Government to support future decisions for Wales.
While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.
Who can apply?
If you are currently at university and seeking an industry placement or if you have recently graduated we have a 12-month placement opportunity for you!
Our 2026 Professional Placements
We are offering a range of 12-month placements starting in 2026, designed to give you meaningful, hands-on experience in a dynamic organisation.
Learn alongside our Apprentices and Graduates
Our professional placement students will have the opportunity to access structured development throughout their 12 months with us, learning and working alongside our existing Apprenticeship and Graduate cohorts.
This unique placement offers the perfect balance between hands-on experience and structured support, allowing you to put your theoretical knowledge into practice whilst benefitting from tailored development opportunities. You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds, gaining invaluable exposure to the water sector and setting yourself up with a fantastic launch-pad for your future career.