Wednesday 7 August 2024

Water industry faces major skills shortage

Water Industry Labour Report by water recruitment company Water by Murray shows that the industry is facing a major skills shortage.

The report surveyed 4,000 specialist engineers and 26 percent reported that skills and recruitment was the single biggest issue, ahead of ageing infrastructure, pollution and funding.

In addition, almost 70 percent of the existing engineering workforce is planning on taking a role in a different sector in the next 12 months, namely the oil and gas and nuclear industries.

Moreover, 42 percent of professionals don’t have access to training that enables them to innovate at work.

Adam Cave, Founder of Water by Murray, said: 'The news is full of stories around bonus payments, government funding and sewage but in reality, the biggest problem facing water is staffing. The sector itself is truly pivotal but it’s no exaggeration to say that without some serious action, many critical maintenance and expansion projects simply won’t be deliverable.

'The UK has an ageing infrastructure and with population numbers rising, major transformation is needed, and that can only be delivered by the right people. The ongoing debates feel like they’re ignoring the real issue and in order for other problems to be tackled there must be a greater focus on staffing.'