Process and Chemical Engineering Industry Placement 2026

Overview

Shape Your Future with an Industry Placement. Want to make a real difference for people and the environment? At the Environment Agency, we’re looking for passionate individuals to help tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges. Our 12-month industry placements, starting in September, offer hands-on experience while building skills that matter. This is more than a placement — it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and explore career pathways that could lead to your next big step.

You’ll work with our Regulated Industry teams, supporting UK businesses to reduce environmental impacts and improve process safety. From chemicals and refineries to metals, you’ll see how we regulate industry to protect people and the planet.

What you’ll gain during the placement

• Experience across Permitting, Local Operations, and Environment & Business
• Hands-on work reviewing permit applications and supporting regulatory officers
• Development of a technical project and understanding of how we balance environmental protection with economic benefit

Responsibilities

During your placement you will:

• Gain experience in data management and analysis
• Learn about environmental regulation and compliance
• Evaluate environmental impact and carbon reduction opportunities
• Support incident management and enforcement activities
• Participate in partnership working and public engagement

Support and development

From day one, you’ll have a mentor and an office buddy to help you thrive. You’ll join a career entrant community and a welcome event packed with learning and networking. You’ll also have the chance to engage with the EA’s Chemical Engineering group for professional development and peer support.

Application process

• Apply Online — Tell us about your skills, motivations, and why you’re excited to join
• Behaviour-Based Assessment (BBA) — Complete an interactive assessment; practice options available
• Shortlisting — We’ll review your application and assessment results
• Interview — If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to one virtual interview
• More details, including support for neurodiverse candidates and what to expect from the assessment, are in the Candidate Pack attached

Experience and qualifications

Experience doesn’t have to come from paid work alone. Volunteering, sports teams, or social clubs all count. You should be studying (or have studied) a Chemical or Process Engineering degree accredited by IChemE. Skills that will help you succeed include:

• Team working
• Confidence with data
• Problem-solving
• Engineering knowledge
• Health and safety awareness

Eligibility criteria

• UK, Commonwealth, or EEA national with the right to work in the UK
• Enrolled in an undergraduate degree or integrated master’s program, in your penultimate year, or graduated within the last year (from June 2025 onwards)

Benefits and support

• Pension: Around 19% contribution to a career-average scheme invested in ethical, renewable energy businesses
• Leave: 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Flexibility: Full-time role with hybrid options, flexible hours, and time back for overtime

Additional information

Applications close on 15 February 2026; interviews in March; offers by May. Apply early and make an impact. You may join an information call on 28 January 2026 at 12 PM to learn more.

Email for queries.

The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra. We welcome flexible working patterns and a guaranteed interview policy for candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and to reflecting the communities we serve.

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