Rising Stars
IWater’s Rising Stars programme offers a range of tailored opportunities designed to accelerate the development of a group of early-career professionals.
About the Rising Stars programme
The Rising Stars programme is a tailor-made opportunity for early-career professionals to explore the water industry, develop leadership and communication skills, organise and participate in site visits, build confidence, and connect with industry leaders.
Running throughout the calendar year from January to December, the programme offers a structured journey of growth and industry insight.
There are 8 places available on the programme, with one place allocated to each IWater Area: Eastern, Midlands, Northern, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South East, South West, and Wales.
Why you should apply for the Rising Stars programme: Tanisha’s advice
Hear from 2025 IWater Rising Star, Tanisha Bisla, Graduate Leadership Trainee at Anglian Water, as she shares why becoming an IWater member and applying for the Rising Stars Programme is such a valuable opportunity.
Tanisha talks about the experiences and opportunities the programme has given her, and also offers thoughtful advice for those who may not be successful the first time around.
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
Three must-haves to apply:
1. You must be an individual member of IWater at the time of applying but cannot be a trial member.
2. You must be at an early stage in your water sector career. You may be in an academic or apprenticeship programme, but you must be in employment.
3. You must have the support and backing of your immediate line manager and ideally also your Chief Executive or Managing Director.
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
To apply, you will need to complete the application form linked below, and then share it along with your CV and 1000 words maximum outlining why you consider yourself to be a Rising Star to info@instituteofwater.org.uk
Applications are submitted to IWater’s Central Team, who will acknowledge receipt and forward them to the relevant Area Committee, who will shortlist candidates.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on November 2nd 2025.
Rising Stars FAQs
We’re here to support you. To help guide your application, we’ve pulled together some frequently asked questions. If you have any further queries, please call us on 0191 422 0088 or email info@instituteofwater.org.uk and a member of our Central Team will be happy to assist.
Yes, applicants must be an individual member (not a trial member) of IWater at the time of application. There is no minimum membership duration required to apply.
Rising Stars are required to maintain their membership throughout their time on the programme. Failure to keep a paid-up membership will result in exclusion from the programme.
Applicants can be a student member, but must be in employment.
The programme is open to all early-career professionals within the water industry, regardless of role or department. This includes colleagues working in regulatory bodies, supply chain, academia, consulting, and other related sectors of water.
Rising Stars are expected to:
-
Participate in multi-day site visits organised by each Rising Star (8 in total) throughout the year.
-
Join relevant virtual sessions and national IWater events, including the Annual Conference.
-
Support their Area Committee with relevant activities throughout the year.
- Contribute to IWater’s communications, such as occasionally writing for the magazine or creating content for social media.
There is no fixed schedule, as site visits and activities are planned by the Rising Stars themselves. However, this is a notable time commitment, and participants must be able to actively contribute to the programme and travel as required.
All applicants must have the support of their immediate line manager and ideally also their Chief Executive or Managing Director.
During the 12-month programme, you will have support from:
-
IWater’s Central Team for guidance and any questions you may have.
-
Your local Area Committee, who can assist with activities and logistics.
-
A virtual programme introduction in January 2026, where you will meet our Chief Executive.
-
Fellow Rising Stars, both current participants and alumni, who can offer advice, mentorship, and peer support.
Along with your CV and application form, you are asked to submit a statement of up to 1000 words outlining why you consider yourself a Rising Star. Your statement should include:
-
A short overview of your career so far
-
Why you believe you should be considered a Rising Star
-
What development benefits you hope to gain from the programme
-
Where you see yourself in two years
Once submitted, applications are received by IWater’s Central Team, who will acknowledge receipt and forward them to the relevant Area Committee for shortlisting. Shortlisting begins immediately after the submission deadline.
Shortlisted applicants are then invited to an interview, where a small panel of IWater Area Committee volunteers will discuss the programme, cover logistics, and ask some questions.
The selection process is completed by mid-November, and successful applicants are notified in early December.
If your application is not successful, please don’t be disheartened. We are committed to providing feedback on your application to help you improve your chances in the future.
Please note that you can apply a maximum of three times over a five-year period.
We also encourage you to remain a member of IWater and take advantage of the Young Professionals’ Network, which supports early-career professionals through events, learning opportunities, networking, social connections, and volunteering.
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
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
Senior 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.”
Joshua Ketley
Graduate Hydraulic Modeller at WRc
Joshua has been at WRc since September 2022, starting as a graduate Hydraulic Modeller, having graduated from his MMath Mathematics degree at the University of Manchester earlier that year. Gaining experience working on clean water networks, Joshua then progressed to his current role as a Leakage Consultant in the Operations and Engineering team.
Within leakage Joshua began working on upstream losses and leakage targeting with a UK water company to combine their operational knowledge with a data-led approach. This project was also valuable in the development of Joshua’s non-technical skills, allowing him to build confidence and understanding of client delivery and team management, areas in which he is keen to progress in the future. Following this, he has worked in leakage strategy, including economic level of leakage studies for international clients and further grown his technical expertise. In December 2024, Joshua attended the Annual Leakage Conference for the first time, benefiting from the exposure to the latest research and presentations from across the sector.
Actively involved in WRc’s Early Careers and Employee Voice groups, Joshua is passionate about people and building a collaborative environment within his technical directorate, the wider business, and the industry as a whole.
Joshua’s message as a 2025 Rising Star:
“This year I’m looking to step out of my comfort zone and expand my knowledge of the whole industry, and the Rising Stars programme is an amazing opportunity for me to do this. I’m really excited to get to know my fellow Rising Stars and start building connections throughout the sector.”
Tanisha Kaur Bisla
Graduate Leadership Trainee at Anglian Water
Tanisha began her journey in the water industry whilst undertaking her degree in Business and Management at Aston University. She completed an integrated placement year as a Change Management Intern at Anglian Water where her role entailed supporting the delivery of Business Change projects, working with stakeholders to achieve speed of adoption, utilisation and proficiency objectives all whilst optimising user experience and supporting employees through the change.
Following her graduation from University, Tanisha continued onto the Asset Management Leadership Graduate Programme at Anglian Water where her role allows her to rotate around the business giving great exposure to different streams. Since starting she has spent time gaining insights into Digital, Investment, Strategic Planning and front-line operations in both Water and Water Recycling.
Alongside this she has also developed knowledge surrounding risk analysis, led multiple projects, facilitated commercial and legal negotiations, evaluated governance structures and supported teams with the Draft Determination of our business plan through supporting the Asset Management Maturity Assessments.
Outside the graduate programme, she is one of the group leads for the Embrace group showcasing her passion for Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace allowing her to organise events, share blogs and creating a community fostering meaningful connections.
Tanisha’s message as a 2025 Rising Star:
“I’m really excited to join the Rising Stars Programme and push myself outside of my comfort zone even further. Developing those industry wide connections will be valuable in being able to share knowledge and implement best practices across the industry creating a cross-collaborative culture going forward into AMP8 and beyond.”
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.
