Readers of both our recent study and last year’s Labour Report will recognise that water industry recruitment remains a major challenge, with frameworks and other employers continuing to struggle to source engineers that can deliver on the range of projects outlined for AMP8.

However, promoting further negativity related to well-publicised funding and sewage-related issues won’t help tackle the skills crisis, and will only push more engineers away. That’s why we’ve reviewed some of the more positive aspects of operating as a water engineer, and highlighted why a career in the industry should be framed in a more optimistic light.

Major opportunity

To those operating within this highly specialised market the picture painted in the press is not necessarily that close to the reality. Yes, many firms have faced financial challenges, but the industry is still delivering on projects and has been granted £104,000 for the next five years which represents a major opportunity to turn its fortunes around. Few other markets operate in the same cyclical way that water does, and while it leads to peaks and troughs that create challenges for the supply chain, it also provides windows for firms to prepare and allocate resources, and plan for the future more effectively. For engineers, this variation is also more engaging than a more traditional and ‘static’ role that might be found in other sectors.

Range of options

Water engineers also benefit from being able to operate on a range of different projects and in a variety of environments, particularly those working on a contingent or contract basis. They also have access to an array of diverse career paths that can lead to deeper specialisations. Over two-thirds (68%) of those we surveyed last year said they were able to innovate on a day-to-day basis, and with climate change and population growth to contend with, the sector is evolving at pace. Specialists are seeing their roles adapt, and are spending more time working on smart water systems, and with real-time monitoring tools and advanced techniques. Equally, the industry is also better protected than most, and unlike some areas that will be impacted by AI and automation, water engineering will remain a hands-on, human discipline for the foreseeable future, making roles here more futureproof.

A key role

Unbeknownst to most people outside of the sector, engineers also play a key role in supporting infrastructure and the running of the entire nation. Water is one of a handful of truly critical sectors and engineers contribute to clean, safe, and sustainable systems which have a direct impact on public health and the environment. But most professionals will at some point have told their friends and family what they do and what their job involves, only to be met with a bewildered look and a shrug. Few specialists receive the recognition for the pivotal and specialised role that they all play in keeping the UK flowing.

Big wins and job satisfaction

When we collected data from over 4,000 water engineers last year, and in the process of doing the same this year, we asked respondents for their biggest career success or achievement to date. The responses highlighted the value that the water sector offers engineers and the satisfaction they get from working in the industry. Nearly all respondents’ answers had one thing in common. They all mentioned their role in multi-million, or even billion-pound projects that have kept systems optimised and operational, and ultimately benefitted the lives of millions of UK citizens. Others raised smaller, more personal victories that nonetheless also provided high levels of job satisfaction, and career fulfilment.

Tackling water industry recruitment

There are plenty of other elements that could be highlighted that also show the value offered by an engineering career in the sector. However, while positivity alone won’t solve the water industry recruitment crisis, there are several long and short-term solutions that will enable projects to be resourced and delivered for AMP8, and beyond.

For the here and now, leveraging the contingent workforce more effectively rather than placing the focus on permanent hires would go a long way in fixing many immediate challenges. The world of employment has changed, but few employers recognise that. We have been banging this drum for some time now, but the employment world of AMP6, or even the early days of AMP7, is drastically different to that of today. Fewer engineers are seeking a ‘job for life’ than they once were. The majority would rather work on different projects in a range of locations, and develop their skills and experience on a contingent basis, as seen in so many other markets.

The misplaced focus on recruiting permanent engineers is distracting many employers from the availability of these specialists, and a greater focus on this portion of the market would aid many organisations, and the industry, enabling them all to benefit from a collective and ‘shared’ resource.

But looking further ahead, much broader conversations need to take place around staffing challenges faced by the UK as a whole that will take us into AMP9, 10 and beyond, and hone in on how we increase the number of young people taking on STEM careers. That task in particular will be considerably easier if we recognise – and promote - the positives of working as a specialist water engineer, rather than focusing on the negatives.

If you’re looking to source engineering expertise ahead of AMP8, or are looking for your next role speak to our expert team

Follow us on LinkedIn

Explore our insights and water blogs