The engineering construction industry (ECI) is on the brink of a significant transformation, with the water treatment sector poised for substantial growth. New research from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) reveals that the water treatment workforce within the ECI could surge by 48% in the next five years. This prediction, drawn from the ECITB’s Labour Forecasting Tool (LFT) and the 2024 Workforce Census, signals a pivotal moment for the sector, one that could reshape its landscape and accelerate its contribution to the UK’s net zero ambitions.
The ECI’s role in the UK’s net zero journey is vast, encompassing sectors from oil and gas to renewables and water treatment. The water sector, in particular, is set to benefit from historically high infrastructure investment, with Ofwat’s recent announcement allowing water companies in England and Wales to invest a record £104 billion over the next five years. This investment, part of the eighth asset management period (AMP8), aims to deliver cleaner rivers and seas and secure long-term drinking water supplies.
The ECITB’s latest forecast paints a picture of a burgeoning water treatment workforce, with roles such as design technicians, project managers, and mechanical fitters in high demand. The workforce size could grow to over 4,300 by 2030, a significant increase from current levels. However, this growth comes with challenges. The Workforce Census 2024 revealed that a third of workers in the sector are over 50, indicating a potential wave of retirements in key roles. Moreover, while employers estimate a 16% increase in headcount by 2027, the LFT forecast puts this figure at 48% by 2030, highlighting the need for a proactive approach to workforce development.
ECITB Chief Executive Andrew Hockey emphasised the need for a collaborative, multi-agency approach to address skills shortages. “We’re calling on all of the sector to work together to help increase the pool of people joining the industry, while continuing to train and upskill existing workers,” he said. This call to action is not just about filling roles; it’s about future-proofing the sector, ensuring it has the skilled workforce it needs to meet the demands of AMP8 and beyond.
The revised predictions from the LFT, made possible by a record response rate from industry employers, also indicate a shift in the peak demand year from 2028 to 2030. This shift, due to project delays and planned activity, underscores the dynamic nature of the sector and the need for adaptable workforce strategies.
The news from the ECITB is not just about numbers; it’s about the people behind them. It’s about the design technicians who will shape the infrastructure of the future, the project managers who will oversee its construction, and the mechanical fitters who will ensure its smooth operation. It’s about the sector’s ability to attract, train, and retain these workers, and its readiness to adapt to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The water treatment sector stands at a crossroads. The path it chooses will determine its ability to meet the UK’s net zero ambitions, to deliver on AMP8, and to secure its future. The ECITB’s latest research provides a roadmap for this journey, one that requires collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to workforce development. The sector’s response to this call will shape its future, and the future of the UK’s water infrastructure.