Process and Chemical Engineering Industry Placement 2026 - 32745
Environment Agency
Join an exciting 12‑month industry placement in the environmental regulator’s process industries team. You’ll work with UK businesses that operate chemicals, refineries and metals to reduce environmental impacts and improve process safety, gaining hands‑on experience and skills that shape your future career.
Overview
This placement is for students or recent graduates studying or having completed a Chemical or Process Engineering degree accredited by IChemE. The role is entry level, full‑time, and lasts 52 weeks. Applications close on 15 February 2026. Interviews will take place in March and offers will be made by May.
Responsibilities
During your placement you will:
* Collect, manage and analyse data relevant to environmental performance
* Support environmental regulation and compliance work for regulated industry
* Evaluate environmental impact and propose mitigation measures
* Support carbon reduction and industrial transition initiatives
* Develop and refine environmental standards and best practice
* Assist in incident management and enforcement actions
* Partner with industry, public groups and stakeholders to enhance engagement
* Rotate through Permitting, Local Operations and Environment & Business units to deliver technical projects and support regulatory officers
Experience & Skills Required
We look for applicants with:
* Curiosity, flexibility and determination to make positive change
* Team working and communication skills
* Confidence with data and analytical thinking
* Basic engineering knowledge relevant to process/chemical industries
* Health and safety awareness
* Concrete examples from volunteering, sports, clubs or other extracurricular activities (paid experience is not mandatory)
Eligibility Criteria
* UK, Commonwealth or EEA national with the right to work in the UK
* Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or integrated master’s programme, or graduated within the last year (from June 2025 onward); you must be in your penultimate year or have completed your degree/masters
Application Process
The application is broken down into four simple stages:
* 1. Apply online – submit your CV and responses to motivation questions
* 2. Behaviour‑Based Assessment (BBA) – an interactive, game‑style assessment measuring natural behaviours; practice options available
* 3. Shortlisting – review of application and assessment results by the recruitment team
* 4. Interview – a virtual interview for shortlisted candidates. Further assessment stages will be explained in the Candidate Pack attached to your email.
All stages will be coordinated via the Arctic Shores online assessment platform. If you require reasonable adjustments, email eacareerentry@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Support & Development
From day one you will receive:
* A mentor and office buddy to help you settle in
* Access to the EA Chemical Engineering community for peer support and professional development
* A welcome event packed with learning and networking opportunities
* Full training, equipment and a generous benefits package to support learning and well‑being
Benefits
* Pension: 19% contribution to a career‑average scheme invested in ethical and renewable energy businesses
* Annual leave: 25 days + bank holidays
* Hybrid working options, flexible hours and time back for overtime
Information Call
Join our information call on 28 January 2026 at 12 PM to learn more and hear from current career entrants. Details to join are in the Additional Candidate Pack.
Contact
For queries, email eacareerentry@environment-agency.gov.uk.
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