Business and Communications Industry Placement 2026 - 32750

Business and Communications Industry Placement 2026 - 32750
11
East Midlands, East of England, London, National, North East, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber
Bristol , Ipswich , Nottingham , Preston , Sheffield , Warrington , Various
Staff Grade 2
Fixed Term
Business Management & Improvement, Communications / Marketing, Digital, Environment & Sustainability, Human Resources, Information Technology, Programme and Project Management, Project Delivery
Full Time, Part Time
£25,301 Pro-rata

15/02/2026, 23:55 hours

BS02 Job Family Role Profile Business Support Services, Grade 2

Basic Check
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. 
Support you can count on:
From day one, you'll have a mentor, office buddy, and access to training and networks to help you thrive. You'll join a career entrant community and a welcome event packed with learning and networking.
You'll work with experienced professionals in communications, digital innovation, workforce development, and service transformation. These teams influence how we engage with stakeholders, deliver training, and shape organisational change. Locations include Bristol, Sheffield, Warrington, Nottingham, and Preston, with hybrid options available.
What you'll do:
Your work will vary depending on the team, but could include:
  • Supporting external communications and media responses, analysing social media trends, and helping shape campaigns on environmental issues.
  • Assisting with digital engagement projects and exploring innovative tools to improve flood resilience.
  • Creating learning materials, organising events, and supporting graduate schemes.
  • Helping run the Environment & Science Graduate Training Scheme, planning sessions, and improving processes. 
  • Designing recruitment content, supporting outreach, and improving candidate experience.
  • Contributing to digital projects, service design, and stakeholder engagement.

You'll gain skills in communications, project coordination, data handling, and stakeholder engagement, while learning how a large public organisation operates. 

Application Process 
Apply online and share your skills, motivations, and interest in the role. Complete a Behavioural-Based Assessment (BBA) - an interactive, game-style test with practice options. Shortlisted candidates will attend one virtual interview. Full details, including support for neurodiverse applicants, are in the Candidate Pack.

Our Business & Communications teams work behind the scenes to keep the Environment Agency running effectively and connected. From shaping external messaging and digital engagement to supporting workforce development and service transformation, these teams influence how we communicate, innovate, and deliver change. You'll join a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where creativity and problem-solving are valued, and where your contribution helps improve services for people and the environment. 

We're looking for individuals who are curious, motivated, and eager to learn. You will:

  • Have an interest in communications, digital tools, project coordination, or workforce development. 
  • Be organised, adaptable, and confident working in a team.
  • Demonstrate creativity and problem-solving skills.

Roles span multiple teams and could help you develop:

  • Skills in communications, stakeholder engagement, and digital innovation
  • Project and programme support, data handling, and reporting 
  • Business planning, service design, and continuous improvement
  • Confidence using IT tools such as Microsoft Office; experience with Power BI or social media analytics is a bonus.

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

To see more about the roles on offer and our widespread office locations, please read the Additional Candidate Pack attached to this advert.

To be eligible for the Industry Placement you will need to meet all the following criteria:

Criteria 1  

You are a UK, Commonwealth or EEA (European Economic Area) national  

You have the right to work in the UK  

Criteria 2 

Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree, or an integrated master's program, and be in their penultimate year of study, or have graduated within the last year (from June 2025 onwards).

*If successful, you will be required to give evidence of your qualification (expected or awarded). 

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. You'll receive full training, equipment, and support during induction, plus a generous benefits package:

Pension: Around 19% contribution to a career-average scheme invested in ethical, renewable energy businesses.

Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, for work-life balance.

Flexibility: Hybrid options, flexible hours, and time back for overtime.

Ready to shape your future?

Applications close on 15 February 2026; interviews in April; offers by June. Apply early and make an impact!

Join our information call on 28 January 2026 at 12 PM to learn more and hear from current career entrants. Please find joining details in the Additional Candidate Pack.

Email eacareerentry@environment-agency.gov.uk for queries.

Who we are

We are inspiring the people we work with to help the country to not only survive but thrive through the challenges of a changing climate. We want to keep people safe and protect the things that matter to us all – our natural spaces, our wildlife and our future.

We are committed to making our organisation as diverse as the environment and represents the communities we serve. Our society and environment are changing, bringing us new challenges all the time. We need a diverse workforce to help us deliver better for the different communities we serve. 

Joining the Environment Agency provides you with the opportunity to pursue many career paths whilst you are with us – developing complementary skills in frontline place-based delivery, shaping and influencing future strategic direction and providing inspirational and creative leadership.

Up to 52 weeks

After you have submitted your application, you will be sent a link to access a site called Arctic Shores. This will take you to an online assessment for you to complete. The next steps will be explained, and you can take the test at a time convenient for you. If you think you may require any reasonable adjustments, please contact eacareerentry@environment-agency.gov.uk.

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.