Rising Stars

The Institute of Water’s Rising Stars Programme brings together a collection of unique opportunities designed to develop the skills of a select group of emerging water industry professionals.

Professional Development

About IWater’s Rising Stars

This tailor-made Programme allows early career professionals to learn more about their industry, take charge of organising site visits, grow their communicative abilities, increase their confidence, and connect with industry leaders.

Our past Rising Stars cohorts and employers have credited the Programme with helping them secure jobs, enhance their skill set, build their network and increase their future employability opportunities.

Each year, through an application process, we select 8 IWater members who have shown both the potential and an appetite to progress within the water sector.

Rising Stars’ Testimonials

“This past 10 months on the Programme has been an acceleration of personal development – providing opportunities to engage with CEOs, gain insight into the operations of other companies and see parts of the industry that would otherwise have been inaccessible so early into my career. The skills I have gained or strengthened throughout the Programme and the connections I have made across the industry will, I’m sure, help me for the rest of my career. I highly recommend applying to anyone who is considering it – you won’t regret it!”

Elena Downes, 2024 Rising Star and Innovation Project Manager at United Utilities

“The Rising Stars Programme was the perfect challenge to push me out of my comfort zone. It gave me the opportunity to meet industry leaders and professionals within the water sector, opening my eyes to the incredible opportunities for collaboration as we face some of the hardest challenges in the industry. I am excited to apply the experiences I’ve gained to future endeavours within the water industry. With this programme, you’re not alone. You become part of a brilliant network of young water professionals who are all like-minded and driven to make a difference”

Callum Barrett, 2024 Rising Star and Maintenance Technician Apprentice (Electrical) at Essex and Suffolk Water

“This year has been incredibly valuable, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering applying. The opportunities to visit a range of companies, engage with senior managers and CEOs, and participate in both local and annual IWater events has been an amazing experience. These experiences have significantly enhanced both my professional and personal skills. By gaining insights into different perspectives on the sector and taking advantage of the available networking opportunities, this Programme is highly advantageous for those selected and the companies that support us.”

Joel Armstrong, 2024 Rising Star and Operational Management Graduate at South West Water

“For me, the Rising Stars 2024 Programme has surpassed expectations by introducing me to friendly, knowledgeable, and curious people, who each impart their perspective on water like colourful jigsaw pieces. I am grateful to the Institute of Water for investing in us at the start of our careers, and encouraging our meaningful participation to address water challenges for the coming years.”

Caroline Pilat, 2024 Rising Star and Water Scientist at Arup

“The Rising Stars Programme has been a truly transformative journey! Traveling from Scotland to various parts of the country, I’ve deepened my understanding of the water industry through connecting with people, meeting influential figures in the industry such as CEOs and Directors, as well as attending various site visits, conferences, and events. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence in public speaking and writing about my work. I’m incredibly grateful to the Institute of Water for this opportunity and to WSP for their support. I wholeheartedly recommend the Rising Stars Programme to any early career professional looking to grow and connect within the water industry!”

Desislava Mihova, 2024 Rising Star and Assistant Engineer at WSP

“The Rising Stars Programme has been a truly one-of-a-kind experience. To be able to meet with CEO’s & other industry leaders at this stage of my career has been invaluable to my career development, and something that I will carry with me as I progress. I have made new connections and friendships which will last a lifetime and I couldn’t speak highly enough about the Programme.”

Seán Gilmore, 2024 Rising Star and Water Engineering Apprentice at AECOM

“The Rising Stars Programme has opened my eyes to the breadth of the sector and allowed me to develop a network of other young professionals in similar positions which has been invaluable. Through the Programme I have been able to discuss new ideas with industry leaders, learn in depth about areas I had previously little experience with, and develop a range of skills that would not have been possible in my day-to-day activities. It has helped me to understand what I want to be doing more of in the future; directly impacting my career pathway and trajectory. Being able to share the learnings from the Programme with my peers at RPS has also had further reaching benefits beyond just for myself.”

Robert Bates, 2024 Rising Star and Senior Data Analyst at RPS

“This is a great programme that I highly recommend. No other programme at this stage of your career can see you having valuable discussions with CEO’s or other influential people within our sector. The technical insights, meetings with regulators plus the network I have built this year would not have been possible any other way. Also, you will make some great friends in your fellow Rising Stars!”

Dan Cassidy, 2023 Rising Star and Water Technical Officer (West Cumbria) at United Utilities

“Rising Stars is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have had opportunities I wouldn’t usually experience; my network has grown, my knowledge has expanded and I have made friends for life.”

Grace Wilson, 2022 Rising Star and Major Infrastructure Assistant Project Manager at Anglian Water

“The Rising Star programme has been a massive boost to my confidence and has opened up a lot of new learning opportunities for me.”

Abbie Mowat, 2022 Rising Star, and Management Sytems Lead, Scottish Water

“Rising Stars has opened my eyes to everything that is going on in the water industry but the best thing has been meeting several other like-minded people across the UK I have been able to count on for support.”

Anna Figueras Carril, 2020 Rising Star and Laboratories Team Leader at Scottish Water

What is needed to apply

To apply, you must be someone with:

– A full individual Institute of Water membership

– An employer who will support their involvement

– An early stage water sector career

– An appetite for professional development

Please note that we do not accept Rising Stars applications from trial members.

Employer Testimonials

‘The Rising Stars Programme has been great – it’s provided excellent insight into to challenges faced by the water industry, alongside the opportunities which are required to create a water industry that is fit for purpose for the future. Alongside this, the programme has given exposure to a network of like-minded water and environmental professionals, of all career stages.”

Josh Gittins, line manager of a 2024 Rising Star and Senior Scientist at Arup

“The fantastic thing about the programme is it allows the Rising Stars to go and see other companies and how they do things and bring great ideas back.”

Susannah Clements, line manager of a 2021 Rising Star and Group Organisation Development Director, Anglian Water

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Please note we will not accept any applications after this time.

You will need to complete the Application Form and send it with your CV and 1000 words to info@instituteofwater.org.uk

Applications are submitted to the Head Office, which acknowledges them and forwards them to the relevant Area Committee.

Apply Now

Meet our Rising Stars of 2025

Tom Jenkins

Water Management Graduate at Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

Tom graduated from the University of Bristol in 2020 with a degree in Geography. Before his water sector career, Tom previously worked in management in the logistics/warehousing industry, most notably for DPD as a shift manager and LIDL as an Assistant Team Manager.

Since September 2024, Tom has worked as a water management graduate for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Tom made the change in industry in the name of CPD, striving to finally pursue a career in an industry and company that would allow for him to professionally develop further. During his first placement, he has worked on a project within the water distribution team with the goal of reducing customer contacts due to discoloured water. Tom’s responsibilities since joining DCWW have included auditing and reporting on the flushing process and assisting with setting up a governance structure for the project.

Tom will soon be moving onto his next placement within the graduate scheme, focusing on a stores project to accurately monitor and track below ground assets. The varying placements within the graduate scheme will allow for Tom to gain a broader picture of possible career pathways within the industry after completion of the scheme.

Tom’s message as a 2025 Rising Star:

“The Rising Stars Programme will provide a unique opportunity for us to discuss emerging issues with industry leading professionals, allowing us to expand our professional networks along the way. I am keen to broaden my understanding of the industry, utilising the varied backgrounds of the 2025 Rising Stars cohort.”

Nessa Stromberg

Graduate Consultant at WSP

Nessa began her journey in the water industry in July 2023, joining the Water Process Asset Design Team at WSP.

She graduated from the University of Edinburgh with an Integrated Master’s in Chemical Physics in May 2023, after completing a master’s placement at the University of Innsbruck in the Nano-Bio-Physics group. During her studies Nessa attended the India Water Nexus Summer School at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in July 2022, which broadened her understanding of responsible research and innovation in the energy-water-food-health nexus, emphasising to her the importance of water in a sustainable outcome.

After graduating, she joined WSP and has been involved in water quality risk assessments for projects like the Grand Union Canal and various mining projects. Her role includes investigating water quality, identifying risk factors, and contributing to drinking water safety plans and environmental discharge assessments. She has also worked on water neutrality reports and water efficiency projects, including the Ofwat innovation fund’s “Enabling Water Smart Communities” project for Thames Water.

Nessa is actively involved in professional development and extracurricular activities, being a member of the Professional Growth Network National Committee and the Water STEM Committee at WSP

Nessa’s message as a 2025 Rising Star:

“Being a Rising Star this year is such an amazing chance for me to get to know all the important areas of the water industry and make key connections along the way. I see the importance of collaboration in all that we do, and I’m excited to develop professionally, and encourage others, in such a connected space.”

Jesie Dyos

Walton WTW Site Performance Manager, Thames Water

Jesie began her career at Thames Water as a Catchment Scientist, leveraging her MSc Marine Biology degree at Portsmouth University. She swapped diving gear for PPE gaining experience in water quality analysis, catchment risk assessments, managing Water Treatment Works raw water challenges and implementing critical shutdown at works to protect public health.

Building on this, Jesie advanced into the fast-paced realm of Operations. Initially managing small groundwater treatments works to enhance resilience and upgrade aging infrastructure, she now oversees a larger, more complex treatment works in London. She thrives in the working environment of operations and enjoys working with contractors and the project teams to deliver site upgrades that ensure water production resilience while prioritising sustainability and minimising environmental impact.

Jesie is deeply passionate about EDI. As Vice Chair of WISE’s Young Professional Board, she has championed efforts to achieve gender parity in STEM and served as a role model for the UK’s 1-million strong female STEM workforce.

Always committed to growth, she is starting an engineering apprenticeship to expand her technical skills further and reinvest them into her career.

Jesie’s message as a 2025 Rising Star:

“I’m thrilled to join the Rising Stars Programme and collaborate with other young professionals who share my enthusiasm for the water industry. This opportunity will deepen my industry knowledge, boost my confidence, and bring valuable insights back to my organisation. As the water industry faces growing media and public scrutiny, it is important to stand together to celebrate all our achievements in protecting public health. I am eager to promote diversity and inclusivity within the water, so it is welcoming and accessible for all.”

Ellie-kay Dawe

Environmental Consultant, Aqua Consultants

Ellie-kay is an Environmental Consultant at Aqua Consultants, part of the Adler & Allan Group, with a strong foundation in environmental, hydrological, and geological sciences. Her expertise spans nature-based solutions, water resources, nutrient pollution, storm overflows, environmental permitting, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), biodiversity improvement, GIS, data analysis, and project management. She has worked extensively with regulators, serving as project lead for Local Resource Option studies for the Environment Agency, contributing to a storm overflow task force for water companies, and collaborating with farmers and private developers on Nutrient Neutrality schemes.

Ellie-kay’s diverse career as a consultant has spanned various sectors, including regulators, water companies, housing developers, agriculture, transport, and renewable energy companies, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of environmental challenges and the regulatory landscape. Ellie-kay is working towards future Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (C.WEM).

In addition to her consulting work, Ellie-kay is actively involved in leadership roles at a Nature Recovery Community Interest Company (CIC), where she applies her professional knowledge to support local environmental initiatives. This commitment to community-based solutions enhances her ability to address environmental challenges with both practical and innovative approaches, further broadening her impact in the environmental sector.

Ellie’s message as a 2025 Rising Star:

“As we enter AMP8, building connections and sharing knowledge is crucial. This program offers a chance to collaborate with my cohort, organise impactful events, and accelerate personal development. I’m excited to expand my network, learn from industry experts, and contribute by sharing insights on environmental challenges in the water sector.”

Pádraig Meehan

Manager (Sustainability and Transformation) at OutForm Consulting

At OutForm, Pádraig works with water utilities and their senior leadership teams across the full asset lifecycle, leading the design and implementation of a range of target operating models. Over the past number of years, he has worked closely with Northern Ireland Water and Uisce Éireann across their Asset Management, Infrastructure Delivery and Operations directorates.

Pádraig leads OutForm’s ESG Excellence practice which focuses on embedding sustainability in organisations’ culture. He is a Subject Matter Expert in sustainability, climate change and energy, he has worked with multiple public sector water utilities, private sector contractors and building materials companies in the development and implementation of sustainability strategies.

Pádraig has significant experience delivering transformation programmes across multiple industries including manufacturing, utilities, construction, and public sector service delivery. In addition, he is an active member of the Institute of Water’s Northern Ireland Area Committee.

A lifelong learner, he continued to study after finishing his undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance, and has completed a MSc in Strategy and Sustainability, a PG.Dip. in Environmental Engineering and a PG.Cert. in Zero Carbon Engineering.

Pádraig’s message as a 2025 Rising Star:

“Growing up in rural Ireland, I appreciate the transformative power of water in strengthening and sustaining communities. I’ve gained insights into the incredible efforts and innovations within the sector, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue this journey of learning and growth as a Rising Star.”

Ross Walker

Assistant Data Analyst at RPS

Ross joined RPS in July 2023 as a Graduate Data Analyst following his Human Geography degree from the University of Exeter. He is part of the Clean Water Analytics team, where he has contributed to a diverse array of projects for various UK water companies.

In his role, Ross has supported water companies in developing their water resource management plans and business planning strategies, optimising policies for leakage and demand reduction, and creating methodologies for minor components. He has also been involved in multiple stakeholder projects, notably the Ofwat-funded ‘Designer Liner’ innovation project and has played a key role in several United Kingdom Water Industry Research projects. Now as an Assistant Data Analyst, Ross has further refined his technical skills and is currently managing his own projects.

Beyond project work Ross has supported new onboarding employees, led volunteering initiatives, and organised social events. He has enjoyed expanding his professional network by attending events such as the South West Area Young Person’s Water Industry Social, where he actively participated in discussions on relevant topics within the water industry.

Ross’ message as a 2025 Rising Star:

“As a Rising Star, I am excited about the invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to industry insights that will enhance my expertise. This Programme will empower me to collaborate with like-minded professionals, tackle sector challenges, and bring innovative solutions back to my organisation, advancing our collective impact in the water sector.”

Our Latest Rising Stars Posts

November 29, 2023

By Mia Tarrant, Process Scientist, Severn Trent It’s been another busy quarter for the Rising Stars, starting with a workshop…

July 8, 2023

By Mia Tarrant, Process Scientist, Severn Trent The busiest quarter for the rising stars, an excellent summer, with some interesting…

November 15, 2022

By Natalie Lamb I was fortunate to join the 2022 Rising Stars on a visit to Severn Trent to have…

November 15, 2022

By Grace Wilson As the 2022 Rising Star for the Eastern Area, myself and the other 7 Rising Stars were…

November 15, 2022

By Abbie Mowatt After an exhilarating first in-person event at Severn Trent, the 2022 Rising Stars were joined by some…

November 15, 2022

The 2022 cohort of Rising Stars attended the postponed Utility Week Awards 2021 in London at the Grosvenor House Hotel…

Contact us

If you have any questions about the Rising Stars Programme, please get in touch via info@instituteofwater.org.uk or 0191 422 0088 and a member of our dedicated team will be happy to help.