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Katie is our Early Careers Programme Coordinator based in our Sheffield office Katie Day | Senior Modeller
"Since the inception of the Early Careers Programme in September 2022, it has developed into an inclusive, well-rounded and exciting opportunity to be a part of. Over this time, we have seen members grow in confidence, and expand their knowledge of the water industry and the RPS business. The Early Careers Programme allows new starters to develop a wider network outside of their day-to-day project teams, and ensures every individual is exposed to the same career-defining opportunities; from exclusive training events to the workshop residential, to involvement in client facing situations, to gaining site experience. We believe every Early Careers Programme member graduates with an excellent foundation to progress in their career, in whichever pathway they may take."
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Lisa is an Early Careers Programme member based in our Glasgow office Lisa Kearney | Graduate Modeller
"The Early Careers Programme provided the opportunity for graduates to organise and attend regular meetings together, allowing us to discuss and present on a variety of important and interesting topics relevant to our industry. Participating in these meetings has been valuable for gaining a wider appreciation of the industry whilst learning about the projects different teams within RPS are involved in."
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George is an Early Careers Programme Graduate and Peer Group Coordinator based in our Sheffield office George Briggs | Assistant Data Analyst
"When I started at RPS I was the only clean water team member in my office so the Early Careers Programme helped me integrate really well, giving me opportunities to speak to people and make friends in the office and understand more about their work. Without the Early Careers Programme, I would not be familiar with the work of other teams in the office. The scheme has improved my presentation skills through presenting my work, skills that I have applied in presenting to clients, and helped my leadership skills through coming the Sheffield group coordinator, something which I found rewarding in helping develop other's presentation skills.
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Ellie (right) is an Early Careers Programme member based in our Sheffield office Ellie Barton | Graduate Modeller
"The ECP programme is a great way to build strong foundations for our careers at RPS. The programme has broadened my knowledge in various aspects of the industry and gave me the opportunity to network with colleagues from up and down the country. Participating has introduced me, and given me the opportunity, to get involved in STEM outreach opportunities which has been really rewarding to help inspire the next generation of STEM professionals."
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Ross is an Early Careers Programme member based in our Exeter office Ross Walker | Graduate Analyst
The Early Careers Programme at RPS has been instrumental in helping me integrate into both the company and the water industry. Through the Programme, I have broadened my network, connected with professionals across various parts of the industry, and deepened my industry knowledge. A standout experience was visiting a site to witness a steam-cured sewer lining process and engaging with representative from the National Composites Centre and the Bristol Composites Institute. This site visit improved my understanding of asset renewal and the complexity of these processes. The Early Careers Programme has provided me with invaluable skills and opportunities, allowing me to take on new experiences and responsibilities within RPS.
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Marya (left) is an ECP graduate and Peer Group Coordinator Marya Hussain | Graduate Modeller
Since starting my role at RPS, ECP has helped me to develop and learn a lot more about the industry than I knew before. The introduction to the Water industry has helped me to understand key terminology and gain a wider insight into key elements of the sewer network. Through this I have also been given the chance to develop my presentation skills and improve my confidence which were my weakest points when I started. I took on the role of ECP coordinator early on and this has allowed me to talk to people not only within my team but outside of the team with people from different offices.
The Early Career Professional Development Programme (ECPDP)
Open to graduates who joined RPS within the past 12 months, the Early Career Programme aims to empower and grow our employees, helping them to progress and develop professionally.
Offering A Range of Opportunities
No matter your background, RPS is committed to helping you launch a successful and rewarding career. Our Early Career Professional Development Programme is designed to give you the strongest possible start at RPS, with a range of opportunities that include:
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Two-Day Residential Workshop: Connect with colleagues from across RPS as you dive into the essentials of working in a modern consultancy. This workshop combines learning with team-building activities to help you forge a strong network across disciplines.
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Institute of Water’s Introduction to the UK Water Industry: A 4-part course that provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory environment, industry operations, and the challenges ahead.
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Leadership and Management Training Days: Led by senior members of our Water Consulting team, these sessions are designed to develop your leadership skills early on.
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Technical Skill Development: Gain essential technical skills through hands-on experience, project work, and specialized training sessions.
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Office-Based Peer Groups: Practice key skills like presenting and chairing meetings in a supportive environment, ensuring you're prepared for real-world situations.
Additionally, our Early Career Professional networks across various offices offer regular meetings to share insights and provide peer support, helping you align your early career with your goals and set the stage for future professional development.
Progressing with Purpose
In this video, our graduates share their experiences with the Programme, detailing how it helped them advance closer to their goals and unlock their potential.
Soaring with the Early Career Professional Development Programme
Discover Early Career Opportunities
Launch your career in the water industry with our Early Careers Professional Development Programme! Specifically designed to empower new talent, this program offers the perfect springboard for your professional journey.
We're committed to giving you the strongest start possible—let us help you unlock your potential and shape a bright future in the water industry.
Get in touch
Our expertise
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Water services
Solutions for the water sector including quality monitoring, modelling, infrastructure design, engineering and asset management.
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Water advisory services
Water Advisory Services by RPS offer you a complete package of expert advice, integrated solutions and consultancy on water management issues.
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Wastewater network operations
Monitoring and logging services and expert technical advisory support for the strategic, data-led management of wastewater networks.
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Water network operations
Advanced monitoring, technology and data analysis for proactive water network management and maintenance planning.
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Water quality modelling and monitoring
Environmental, technical and scientific analysis services to help you manage water quality risks in urban water systems, groundwater, dams, catchments and more.
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Water and wastewater network modelling and asset management
Technical, data and advisory services for smart investment, strategic asset management and successful water and wastewater network operations.
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Water and wastewater infrastructure design
Design and engineering solutions for smart water infrastructure development, sustainable asset upgrades and strategic operational improvements.