A NEW partnership is set to give STEM students the opportunity to help shape thinking on some of the biggest challenges facing the UK water sector.
One of the UK’s largest water retailers, Business Stream, has partnered with The Purpose Coalition’s Purpose Labs to deliver a six-month programme aimed at understanding the next generation’s attitudes towards water use and water scarcity, while showcasing career opportunities across the industry.
Running from September 2026 until February 2027, Purpose Labs will bring together university and college-level STEM students for a series of monthly sessions exploring issues including awareness around water scarcity, innovation and behavioural change.
Between 15-20 students will take part in each session, providing their views on the challenges facing the industry and the action they believe businesses, consumers and the wider sector should be taking.
Sophia Goring, Head of Regulation and Sustainability at Business Stream said: “The water sector faces a number of significant long-term challenges and it’s vital that the next generation has a voice in how we respond to them.
“This partnership gives us an opportunity to listen directly to young people, understand how they view issues impacting the sector and explore what more we can do to engage, inspire and attract the talent we will need in the years ahead.”
Each monthly session will focus on a different theme, starting with students’ understanding of water use and water scarcity in the UK, and what they believe needs to change to address future challenges.
Later discussions will consider how public perceptions around water use and the water sector can be changed, alongside ways to inspire the next generation to consider careers in the industry and encourage greater innovation.
Business Stream colleagues will also join individual sessions to share their career experiences and provide an insight into the range of opportunities available.
The Purpose Labs work with students from socio-economically deprived areas, providing paid opportunities for them to work directly with businesses and gain experience that can strengthen their CVs.
Rt Hon Justine Greening, Former Secretary of State for Education and Chair of The Purpose Coalition said: “Young people bring fresh perspectives to the challenges businesses face. Giving them the chance to work on a real environmental issue means businesses can hear new ideas and better understand the priorities of the next generation.
“With too many young people not in education, employment or training, we also need to make the path into work more visible. Direct contact with businesses through programmes like Purpose Lab can introduce students to careers they may never have considered and help them see where their skills could take them.
“That exchange has value on both sides, with young people gaining experience and connections, while businesses gain insight and a stronger link to future talent.”
This partnership forms part of Business Stream’s wider social value activity and is aligned to its vision to make a positive difference to its customers, people, the environment and local communities.
Business Stream serves more than 300,000 customers across the UK and has supported a range of partnerships aimed at improving sustainability, water efficiency and community impact.