Early careers

We’re committed to supporting young people at the start of their careers with programmes ranging from work experience to modern apprenticeships, graduate opportunities and more.

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Graduate programme

Our new graduate programme builds on our commitment to develop early careers talent by offering graduates the chance to apply their academic skills in the workplace.

The two-year rotational programme in our Finance and Business Intelligence & Data teams provides on-the-job learning. Through structured development, project work and support from dedicated mentors, graduates gain the confidence and capability to progress quickly in their careers.

Graduates have the chance to make a meaningful contribution from day one and build strong foundations for future leadership.  In return, we value their fresh perspectives and new skills, and look forward to welcoming them into our teams.

Apprenticeships

Our apprenticeship programmes offer a great alternative to full-time college or university. Whether you’re aiming for a vocational qualification or a degree, you’ll have our full support to learn on the job and put your skills to the test immediately, while earning a salary.

 

Graduate apprenticeships

This is a unique opportunity to gain a fully funded degree while working in a real role, contributing to meaningful projects.

As an apprentice, you'd be part of our team from day one, combining hands-on experience with academic learning over 3–5 years, and developing the skills, knowledge and confidence to grow your career with us. This accessible route into higher education helps us nurture diverse talent that supports your success and the long-term sustainability of our business.

Young man sitting on sofa and smiling

Modern apprenticeships

Each summer, we recruit new modern apprentices to work with us, learn new skills and gain a nationally recognised qualification. We’ve had huge success over the years, with recruits moving into full-time positions across the business.
The programme involves work-based learning, where the training is directly linked to your role. You’ll be supported by our experienced colleagues and you’ll get hands-on experience to learn new skills. We’ll give you the support and learning you need to navigate our systems and policies, and to fully understand our business. Your role as an MA will be busy, with no two days the same and lots of opportunities to develop your learning.

“Within a few months of joining Business Stream as an IT Apprentice, I was able to support the business on a wide scale including updating our technology to better support colleagues and in turn, our customers! It gave me a great start to my career and was really rewarding and exciting!”

Matthew MacKay
Platform Test Analyst

Career Ready

This national social mobility charity was set up to provide opportunities for young people through mentoring and work experience. Established in 2002, Career Ready has helped over 200,000 young people across the UK.
We’ve partnered with Career Ready to help us deliver our ambitious education programme. We also sit on the Career Ready Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian Local Authority Board to support delivery of the charity’s strategic goals.
Our partnership provides senior secondary pupils with 25 months of mentoring and four weeks of paid work experience. Students also have the option, if they wish, of undertaking a foundation apprenticeship alongside this. It offers a nationally recognised SQA Level 6 qualification and develops the confidence and skills young people need to launch their career.

We support Career Ready’s Skills for Success programme, delivering a range of masterclasses to students. It gives young people insight into key skills, including communicating, problem solving, teamwork, creativity, adaptability, managing my career and managing myself.

Career Ready logo

DYW Employer Pledge

Formerly the Young Person’s Guarantee, the DYW Employer Pledge is a Scottish initiative where employers commit to providing opportunities for young people aged 16–24, such as jobs, apprenticeships, work experience or mentoring.

We were the first water supplier to sign the pledge to support young people and their development within our workforce.

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Life at Business Stream

Check out our video series to hear first-hand from our colleagues about all the great reasons to be part of the team at Business Stream.