This National Apprenticeship Week, Anglian Water is encouraging talent at all stages, from school leavers to senior professionals, to apply to its apprenticeship programme as the company gears up to deliver its largest-ever year of investment for the East of England.
Between 2025 and 2030, Anglian Water plans to deliver essential and ambitious investment in the region’s water and sewerage infrastructure, creating thousands of skilled, well-paid jobs, whilst also protecting and enhancing the environment and underpinning the rapidly growing region and local economy.
The water company is set to embark on the first of the five-year mammoth programme of work, worth almost £11 billion, and with its Alliance partners, aims to recruit around 90 apprentices this year across Construction, Energy & Utilities, Surveying and Science sectors.
The 90 new recruits will join more than 230 other apprentices already progressing through the company’s various apprenticeship programmes, developing essential skills in varied roles and earning while they learn.
Mark Thurston, CEO of Anglian Water said:
“As someone who started their career as a technician apprentice, it’s important to me that we celebrate the opportunities that apprenticeships can bring. Recently named one of the UK’s top 100 places to work in 2025, at Anglian Water we take pride in nurturing and developing talent at all stages, from school leavers to senior professionals. We support our employees’ career progression, as well as their well-being, enabling them to them to thrive in a sector that’s critical to national growth.
“Our apprenticeship programme provides a supportive and inclusive environment in which anyone can enjoy varied opportunities and gain valuable hands-on experience and industry recognised qualifications, with the opportunity to build a long-term career with us. Over the last five years alone, we’ve had more than 500 apprentices join us, with an astounding 100% achievement rate compared to a national average of 54.3%. And we’re very proud that almost 90% of people who’ve completed an apprenticeship with us are still here, as part of the Anglian Water ‘family’.”
Ifeanyichukwu Martin Udeagwu is now in his third year as a Data, Digital & Technology Degree Apprentice at Anglian Water, where he’s thriving in the apprenticeship programme. Reflecting on his journey, he shared:
“After completing my GCSEs in 2021, I decided to take a gap year. During that time, I realised that an apprenticeship would be a better fit for me than going to university, largely due to advice from my cousin who retrained in software engineering through an apprenticeship programme after a career as a mechanical engineer. I’ve always had a passion for software engineering and coding myself, so when I was accepted into the Data, Digital & Technology Degree programme at Anglian Water, I was thrilled.
“As an apprentice, no two days are ever the same. The variety in the role has been fantastic. I’m not only acquiring technical skills in software engineering but also gaining valuable experience across different areas of the business. This has helped me develop skills that extend beyond the technical side, including personal development and preparing for leadership and management roles in the future.”
He continued: “The team at Anglian Water is incredibly supportive. Everyone is patient and generous with their time, helping us learn and grow. I’ve already achieved so much that I’m proud of. There’s a real sense of community here too, where everyone—whether apprentices, managers, or directors—supports one another. With two years left in my course, I plan to stay with Anglian Water after I’m qualified.”
He concluded: “If you’re looking for an opportunity to earn while you learn, in a dynamic role with plenty of support, I highly recommend applying!”
Anglian Water’s apprenticeship opportunities are open for applications until 16th February, with successful applicants set to start their roles from July to September 2025.
Anyone interested in the Anglian Water Apprenticeship programmes can find out more and complete an online application by visiting www.anglianwatercareers.co.uk.
