Specialist Pathways

Specialist opportunities designed to launch your professional journey

QUEST

QUEST has been established to encourage young people to pursue careers into civil engineering, with educational support payments and paid summer placement opportunities.

The scheme is designed to support and encourage you on your journey to becoming a professionally qualified civil engineer.

You will be a QUEST scholar for the duration of your degree course and will undertake paid placements with the Environment Agency for 8 weeks, for each summer between university years, with the option of then joining our Graduate Training Scheme.

You need to be starting a full-time accredited civil engineering undergraduate degree at a UK university in September/October 2026 and have predicted A-level grades of ABB or higher.
During your 8 week summer placements, you will be able to experience engineering activities undertaken at the Environment Agency first hand, being able to attend site visits, and contribute to work that directly affects our asset base and flood risk management. You will be part of a team local to you within flood risk management and be made to feel comfortable and confident with the work they do, as well as getting further exposure to the wider organisation and other teams.

You will be assigned a technical mentor who will help you as you embark on the start of your engineering career to becoming professionally qualified. They will support you as you start to provide evidence for Initial Professional Development (IPD) online, guide you as to the work that will help you achieve this, advise the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions that will be of use to you, and encourage you throughout your time with us.
- Eligible for up to £8,000 over the course of your university study
- Undertake a paid placement with the Environment Agency for 8 weeks each summer between your university years.
- Once you satisfactorily complete your degree course at university, and your summer work placements at the Environment Agency, you may be eligible for a position on our Engineering Graduate Training Scheme.

Example career pathway in organisation:

Engineering Graduate Training Scheme
Deputy Catchment Engineer
Catchment Engineer

Specific recruitment information:

For further information about QUEST and how to apply, please visit the ICE website at: QUEST scholarships | Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Estates APC Structured Programme

We believe surveying isn’t just about understanding land and property, it’s about shaping sustainable, thriving environments for people and nature. Whether you’re looking for an apprenticeship opportunity, are starting your journey after university, or have already embarked on your Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), you’ll find a workplace built on opportunity, support, and balance.

The Estates APC Structured Programme is a structured training programme which supports candidates throughout their APC journey to become a chartered surveyor.

There are two routes to join and progress through to becoming a chartered surveyor, either as a graduate or as an apprentice. Both routes will follow the APC Structured Programme, with timings of enrolment varying depending on the route.
- Apprenticeships & Graduate roles supported from inception to completion
- Structured APC programme supported by RICS assessors and counsellors.
- Two-day APC away sessions biannually with site visits, workshops, and a live mock interview.
- Mock interviews with recently qualified surveyors and experienced RICS assessors.
- Regular CPD sessions and mentoring tailored to the Land and Resources pathway.
- Opportunities to work across the UK on estate management, management of the natural environment, project work, valuation, land acquisition, and environmental projects.
- Collaboration with internal clients, project teams, public and private stakeholders, landowners, and environmental partners.
- Flexible regional bases and hybrid working options.
- A focus on environmental, social and economic sustainability that permeates all work streams.

Example career pathway in organisation:

Year 1 focuses on learning and exploring the world of surveying within the EA. In Year 2, you’ll start taking ownership of work streams, developing and delivering them, and preparing for your RICS Chartered status assessment. By Year 3, if successful, you’ll qualify for a G5 interview and continue building your professional expertise.

“It’s encouraging to see how willing, supportive and knowledgeable colleagues are. This is a fantastic offering for APC candidates” – Emma, APC candidate

Energus Nuclear Graduate Scheme

The Environment Agency sponsors graduates on the two-year Energus Nuclear graduate programme. It offers bespoke training and mentoring to develop future leaders in engineering, science, and commercial roles across the UK nuclear sector.

- A first in a relevant degree subject (specific to the role applied for, such as engineering, science, or commercial disciplines).
- You must have the full, legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the 2-year programme.
- You must be able to pass security clearance checks, which includes passing pre-employment checks in line with UK Government policy.
- Access to three secondments to give you experience across the breadth of the UK nuclear sector – the first secondment is with your sponsoring organisation.
- A dedicated team of experts to support your development and progress throughout your time on the programme
- A sponsor company lead to provide you with day-to-day support during your programme and with your secondments
- A dedicated mentor, assigned to you upon starting the programme who will stay with you throughout your Nuclear Graduates journey
- A comprehensive, tailored programme of professional development
- The support of a dedicated Nuclear Graduates programme team throughout the two years of your graduate programme. As Mental Health First Aiders the team are fully equipped to assist you through your Nuclear Graduates journey.
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
- Energus contributory pension scheme.
- Energus Employee Assistance Programme and DigiCare .
- EnergUS Extras, providing in-house news, wellbeing resources and employee discounts.
- Membership of up to two professional institutions.
- Access to an independent Employee Assistance Programme service offering a 24/7 support line.

Example career pathway in organisation:

On completion of the nuclear graduates programme (subject to satisfactory performance), you will be given the opportunity to apply for a permanent role in the Environment Agency. We offer development opportunities to help you achieve your potential through on-the-job, structured learning and industry secondments. We also encourage development through professional qualification routes.

Recruitment starts each Autumn. Visit Nuclear Graduates | The Leading Graduate Programme for Nuclear for more information.