Severn Trent has welcomed over 160 new apprentices and graduates - one of its biggest intakes, as part of its commitment to inclusive employment and creating jobs across the Midlands.

The new starters, who completed their induction this week on National Inclusion Week, include a mix of school leavers, career changers and those retraining in new skills.

Severn Trent says its apprentice programme is open to everyone – regardless of age, or background and has made a commitment to remove barriers to people applying.

This includes hosting assessment centres in multiple locations to reduce travel, adjusting dates to avoid exams, also having in-house English and Maths support, meaning it’s not necessary for applicants to already have those qualifications.

With 90 different apprenticeships on offer, new recruits will be taking up various roles across the business, from Waste Network Technicians to HR Consultants and Electro-Mechanical Engineers to Data Analysts.

Graduates joining Severn Trent have a number of different career paths to choose from, with programmes in Project Management, as well as Engineering Design and Environmental Leadership.

 Kellie Emery, New Talent Lead at Severn Trent said: “We’re delighted to welcome this year’s cohort of apprentices and graduates to the business. Each year, we welcome people who arrive with fresh ideas and are eager to learn and I’m looking forward to seeing their new careers flourish.

“This year, we have a great mix of people starting their journey, with almost 15% of those joining us aged 25 and over, showing that apprenticeships are open to everyone, no matter their age who can bring new thinking and experiences to what we do.”

Severn Trent’s apprentice programme is just one way the company offers inclusive routes to employment.

The company also recently shared its commitment to create 400 work experience placements for care-experienced young people in the Midlands, as well as developed a programme with local job centres that’s seen success in people experiencing barriers to work, entering into roles.

It also regularly hosts large scale jobs fairs across the region, bringing together jobs, communities and other like-minded businesses.

Severn Trent’s apprenticeship scheme opens every year to anyone, no matter their age. Each year, the water company welcomes young people ready to kickstart their career, as well as those already in work, but looking for a new challenge.

Severn Trent’s apprenticeship schemes will reopen for applications in early 2026.