Summer Placement Data Science & Innovation

Data Science & Innovation Summer Placement 

LET’S CUT STRAIGHT TO IT

At Severn Trent, we believe everyone deserves more. More care for the environment, more sustainable initiatives, and more support for the communities we serve. That's why we're on a mission to deliver bigger and better things, and we need passionate Summer Placements like you to help us achieve our goals.  

Our people and culture are the heart of our success. We're proud to be in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide for employee engagement and ranked as a Top 50 UK Employer on Glassdoor. With nearly 10,000 dedicated colleagues, we're looking for more brilliant people who are eager to turn challenges into opportunities for a better future.  

If you're excited to learn, and ready to make a real impact, we want you on our team.   

LET’S TELL YOU MORE

Our Innovation & Data Science Summer Placement Programme offers a unique opportunity to explore how scientific thinking, data-driven insights, and innovative approaches shape the future of water and wastewater services at Severn Trent. You’ll be part of dynamic teams driving forward cutting-edge projects that improve sustainability, efficiency, and customer outcomes across a regulated FTSE 100 business.

This placement is designed to give you hands-on experience in both innovation science and data science, working across a variety of projects that span research, development, implementation, and strategic data use. You’ll gain valuable skills while contributing to real-world solutions that make a difference.

THINGS YOU MIGHT LEARN

• Conduct research and development into emerging technologies, scientific processes, and data-driven innovations.
• Support the design and delivery of innovative solutions to enhance water and wastewater services.
• Perform data analysis and modelling to inform and validate innovation and transformation projects.
• Help design and deliver Severn Trent’s new Data Framework to improve data quality, accessibility, and governance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify new opportunities, drive business improvements, and deliver insightful, accurate information.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts focused on operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and ethical data use.
• Support AI governance activities and evaluate potential AI tools for business use.
• Create dashboards and reports that simplify complex data and support decision-making.

HOW WILL THE PROGRAMME WORK?

During the 8-week or 12-week placement you will be based at Severn Trent Centre in Coventry, placing you right at the heart of our operations, you will be working day to day with industry professionals, taking lead on projects and real-life work.

Throughout your time with us, you’ll also benefit from a range of opportunities designed to help you explore your career ambitions, support your development, and ensure you get the most out of your placement:

• Employability Sessions -Take part in three tailored workshops focused on building practical skills and career insights to help you thrive in your future career.
• Networking Lunch - Connect with fellow placement students in a relaxed setting, share experiences, and start building your professional network.
• Alumni Lunch - Meet former interns who have successfully transitioned into full-time roles at Severn Trent. Hear their stories, gain inspiration, and learn from their journeys.
• Senior Leader Panel Event - Attend an exclusive session featuring senior leaders from across the business. Discover their career paths, receive valuable advice, and be inspired by their insights.
• One-to-One Support -Benefit from regular meetings with managers, Mentors and the New Talent Team  

Depending on your year of study, the programme could lead to a fast-track opportunity into another internship programme or even our graduate scheme—helping you take the next step in your career with Severn Trent.

ABOUT THE PLACEMENT 

Location: Severn Trent Centre, Coventry, CV1 2LZ 

Programme Duration: 8 or 12 weeks  

Starting Salary:  £24,452.04  pro rata

Entry Criteria:

• Preferred individuals with a technical and analytical mindset, and a passion for Data Science, AI, and using data to drive innovation, governance, and strategic decision-making.
•  Studying for a degree ideally in Innovation Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related fields.

You must be currently studying at a UK university and be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship  

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We want our employees to care and to have a genuine passion for what we do as a business. We need people who want to make a difference in providing a vital service to our customers, now and for the long-term. 

We’d love you to be someone with… 

• A ‘can do’ attitude – someone who’s eager to get involved, takes ownership of their actions, and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.
• Adaptability and resilience – comfortable with variety and able to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Strong prioritisation and problem-solving skills – able to assess tasks quickly and take initiative to tackle challenges head-on.
• Excellent communication and collaboration – confident working across multiple teams and building strong working relationships.
• Curiosity and a growth mindset – keen to learn, ask questions, and continuously improve in a dynamic setting.
• Accountability and integrity – someone who acts responsibly, makes thoughtful decisions, and contributes positively to team culture.
• Creative thinking – willing to challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas, and contribute to innovation.
• Self-awareness and reflection – open to feedback and committed to personal development.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Severn Trent we are passionate about our people. We want to make sure that we continue to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and cohesive culture that represents the communities and customers we serve. We’re making sure we keep up the progress with our wonderful working groups – LGBTQ+, Women in Operations & STEM, Disability and Ethnicity, who help us with our commitments. Find out more about our commitments to Diversity and Inclusion at Severn Trent.  

LET’S GO 

Apply now to build an amazing career and be part of a brilliant team. We can’t wait to hear from you. 

• Roles close on 13th January 2026 at Midday (12pm)

• Check your diary – face to face assessments will run from February to the end of March
• Start Date 1st June for a 12-week placement and 29th June for an 8-week placement

To find out more about working with us, search #LifeatSevernTrent on social media.