Summer Placement HR & Comms

Severn Trent Plc; Coventry; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water and wastewater service provider in Coventry is offering a Summer Placement in HR & Communications. This unique opportunity allows you to explore the strategic functions of Human Resources and Communications in a FTSE 100 company. You will work on meaningful projects that support employee engagement and corporate branding while gaining essential skills for your future career. Candidates should be pursuing relevant degrees and have a passion for creating impactful experiences. Apply before January 13, 2026 for a chance to be part of a dynamic team.

Benefits

Networking opportunities

Employability sessions

One-to-one support from mentors

Qualifications

• Currently studying at a UK university and eligible to work without sponsorship.
• Full UK Drivers License and access to a vehicle preferred due to transport issues.

Responsibilities

• Support recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Assist in designing and delivering training programmes.
• Contribute to employee engagement initiatives.
• Create and deliver internal communications.
• Support external communications, including media relations.

Skills

People-focused mindset

Adaptability and resilience

Excellent communication

Strong prioritization skills

Creative thinking

Curiosity and growth mindset

Education

Studying human resources, business studies, sociology, psychology or related degrees

Job description

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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 HR & Communications Summer Placement offers a unique opportunity to explore the people and messaging side of a FTSE 100 business. You’ll gain insight into how we attract, develop, and retain talent, while also learning how we communicate effectively across our organisation and with the wider public. This placement gives you exposure to the strategic and operational elements of both Human Resources and Communications, helping you understand how these functions support and shape our business.

The programme may involve working within one of our core teams in Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Internal Communications, or Corporate Affairs. You’ll be involved in meaningful projects that contribute to our people’s strategy and brand reputation.

WHAT WILL MIGHT LEARN

• Support recruitment and onboarding processes, helping us attract and welcome top talent.
• Assist in designing and delivering training programmes that support employee growth and development.
• Contribute to employee engagement initiatives and help manage employee relations.

Comms

• Create and deliver internal communications that keep our people informed, connected, and inspired.
• Support external communications, including media relations, social media, and corporate branding.

This programme is designed to help you build a strong foundation for a future career in Human Resources, Communications, or Corporate Affairs. You’ll develop skills in stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, and creative problem‑solving, while gaining exposure to a regulated, purpose‑driven business.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, because we know that diverse minds bring fresh ideas and new ways of thinking—and that’s exactly what helps us grow.

HOW WILL THE PROGRAMME WORK?

During the 8‑week or 12‑week placement you will be based at Severn Trent Centre in Coventry or our purpose‑built Severn Trent Academy in Finham, placing you right at the heart of our operations. You will be working day to day with industry professionals, taking the 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, OR

Programme Duration

8 or 12 weeks

Entry Criteria

• Preferred individuals with a people‑focused mindset and a passion for creating meaningful employee and stakeholder experiences
• Studying degrees like human resources, business studies, sociology, psychology or other related degrees

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

Please note that the Severn Trent Academy does not always have a reliable public transport route, therefore we would prefer that the successful candidate has a full UK Drivers Licence and access to their own vehicle.

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 wit h…

• 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.