Process and Chemical Engineering Industry Placement

Environment Agency; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK environmental organization is seeking passionate individuals for a 12-month industry placement starting in September. The role offers hands-on experience in environmental regulation and compliance while supporting UK businesses in reducing their environmental impacts. Ideal candidates should be studying or have completed a Chemical or Process Engineering degree and possess skills such as teamwork and data confidence. This placement provides an excellent opportunity to learn, grow, and explore future career pathways.

Benefits

Mentorship from day one

Career entrant community support

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in the environment and passion for creating a better place for people and wildlife.
• Studying or have studied an accredited Chemical or Process Engineering degree.

Responsibilities

• Support UK businesses to reduce environmental impacts.
• Gain experience in data management and environmental regulation.
• Evaluate environmental impacts and assist in incident management.

Skills

Team working

Confidence with data

Problem-solving

Engineering knowledge

Health and safety awareness

Education

Chemical or Process Engineering degree

Job description

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.

During your placement, you'll gain experience in:

• Data management and analysis
• Environmental regulation and compliance
• Evaluating environmental impact
• Carbon reduction and industrial transition
• Developing environmental standards
• Incident management and enforcement
• Partnership working and public engagement

Support you can count on:

From day one, you'll have a mentor, office buddy, to help you thrive. You'll join a career entrant community and a welcome event packed with learning and networking.

You'll have the chance to join the EA's Chemical Engineering group, which focuses on your professional development, providing peer support to boost your technical knowledge and career prospects.

Application Process:

We've kept things simple so you can focus on showing your potential:

• Apply Online – Tell us about your skills, motivations, and why you're excited to join
• Behaviour‑Based Assessment (BBA) – Complete an interactive, game‑style assessment measuring natural behaviours and potential. 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.

The team

The Environment Agency regulates process industries across England under Environmental Permitting and COMAH Regulations.

This placement offers hands‑on experience to complement your studies and professional growth. You'll rotate through three areas: Permitting, Local Operations, and Environment & Business. From reviewing permit applications to supporting regulatory officers and delivering a technical project, you'll see the direct impact of our work and how we help industry operate sustainably - balancing environmental protection with economic benefit.

Experience/skills required

We're looking for someone with a genuine interest in the environment and a passion for creating a better place for people and wildlife. You’ll bring curiosity, flexibility, and determination to make positive change happen.

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
• Experience doesn't have to come from paid work alone. Volunteering, sports teams, or social clubs all count.

Eligibility criteria

To join our Industry Placement, you'll need to meet all the following criteria:

Criteria 1

You're a UK, Commonwealth, or EEA national and have the right to work in the UK.

Criteria 2

You've completed at least two years of a Chemical or Process Engineering degree or graduated (undergraduate or postgraduate) within the last 12 months (from June 2025).