The water sector in England is on the cusp of a transformative shift, with the government and water companies joining forces to address critical workforce shortages and drive unprecedented investment. This alliance, formalised at the Water UK’s Skills Summit in London, marks a pivotal moment for the industry, with commitments that could reshape its trajectory for years to come.
At the heart of this agreement is a bold pledge to recruit 50,000 new workers by 2030, a figure that underscores the sector’s urgent need for skilled professionals. This recruitment drive is not just about numbers; it’s about strategically filling gaps in a workforce that must deliver a record £100 billion investment programme. This investment is earmarked for expanding infrastructure, securing water supplies, and tackling the pressing issue of sewage entering rivers and seas.
The government’s declaration of water as a ‘priority sector for economic growth’ signals a significant shift in policy focus. This designation is more than symbolic; it comes with concrete actions, including the signing of a ‘Water Skills Pledge’ by ministers. This pledge is a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, outlining a shared commitment to workforce development and recruitment.
The commitments made are wide-ranging and ambitious. They include the recruitment of up to 5,000 apprentices and 2,000 young people through a new ‘Water Academy Work Programme’. Moreover, initiatives like ‘Untapped Talent’ aim to support over 100,000 long-term unemployed, care-leavers, and veterans, providing them with skills and access to jobs. The creation of a new £25,000 ‘Watershot’ Prize is designed to attract graduate scientists to the sector, encouraging them to develop future technologies.
The need for such initiatives is underscored by the Environment Agency’s prediction that an additional six billion litres of water will be needed daily by 2055. This demand will drive the construction of ten newly approved reservoirs, requiring thousands of new specialists. Beyond reservoir construction, the sector will need experts in AI, catchment science, and other disciplines to meet future challenges.
David Henderson, Chief Executive of Water UK, emphasised the urgency of these commitments, stating, “The water industry needs 50,000 new people over the next five years to deliver new infrastructure which is vital for new homes and business expansion.” He highlighted that today’s announcement shows real commitment from both government and water companies to developing the workforce for the future.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP echoed this sentiment, noting that the government’s Plan for Change is delivering the largest investment in the water sector’s history. He stressed that this growth must be underpinned by delivering skills and an expanded workforce to clean up waterways and build new infrastructure.
The collaboration between government and water companies extends beyond recruitment. The Memorandum of Understanding includes commitments to improve public recognition of the frontline workforce, explore educational materials about the water industry, and encourage Skills Bootcamps. These 16-week courses, co-designed with industry, offer a job interview to eligible participants upon completion.
Water companies have also committed to offering up to 5,000 high-quality apprenticeship placements by 2030, a 25% increase since their original business plans were submitted. They will collaborate with charities and other organisations to provide individual support and coaching for job seekers. Additionally, companies will invest in early career outreach, offering work experience for up to 1,000 students a year and running education sessions in thousands of schools.
The sector’s focus on diversity and inclusion is evident in commitments to sign up to the Disability Confident employer scheme and explore specific apprenticeship schemes for veterans. These initiatives aim to create a more inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
The implications of these commitments are far-reaching. The water sector’s transformation could serve as a model for other industries facing similar challenges. By prioritising workforce development and strategic investment, the sector is positioning itself to meet the demands of a changing climate and a growing population.
However, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained collaboration between government and industry. It will require ongoing investment in skills, infrastructure, and innovation. The water sector’s ability to deliver on these commitments will shape not only its own future but also the broader economic and environmental landscape of England.
As the sector embarks on this ambitious journey, one thing is clear: the water industry is not just building reservoirs and infrastructure; it is building a workforce for the future. This workforce will be crucial in delivering the clean water and secure supplies that are essential for economic growth and environmental sustainability. The commitments made at the Water UK’s Skills Summit represent a significant step forward, but they are just the beginning of a long-term effort to transform the water sector and