Job market information
Finding out about water
The water industry is part of the energy and utility sector, represented by Energy and Utility Sector Skills Council, which also includes: power; gas; and waste management. The UK energy and utility sector employs an estimated 536,200 people.
The water industry is made up of the regulated water utility companies, non‐regulated subsidiary water utility companies (e.g. involved in construction, engineering, consultancy, laboratory services, etc.) and the supply chain (e.g. contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, etc.). Together they are responsible for the supply of clean water to customers up to and including the internal stop valve on the customers’ property and the collection and treatment of waste water (collected through both public sewers and private drains).
Key facts:
- There are 166,500 people employed in the industry, which includes:
- 37,000 working in Water Companies and Utilities (Regulated)
- 15,000 in Support Services as Consultants
- 30,000 in Support Services as Contractors
- 30,000 in Support Services ‐ Plant/Equipment
- 6,000 Regulators
- 14,000 Others
- 28,000 in Water Utilities Owned (non‐Regulated)
- There are an estimated additional 6,500 people who are self‐employed and working in the industry.
- There are high concentrations of female workers in administrative and secretarial, sales and customer service roles.
- The industry employs relatively few 16‐24 year olds and a higher proportion of 35‐54 year olds.
- Around 3,000 new workers per year will be required by the industry between 2008 and 2017.
Jobs in the industry include: Plant Operative, Technician/Supervisor, Higher Technician and Management, Specialist Professional.
Entry and progression
It is recommended that entrants apply directly to an employer to secure employment or work experience. This can be supplemented with training such as an S/NVQ or college based qualifications that could lead to a nationally recognised qualification. There are a range of industry endorsed courses and foundation degrees, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and training schemes available to those wishing to enter the industry.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
166,500 |
|---|
| Gender: |
74% male |
26% female |
|---|
| Around 21% of managerial employees are female, compared to around 34% across the UK |
| 70% of those in administrative and secretarial occupations are female |
| Only 18% of professionals and 22% of associate professionals are female |
| Age: |
The water industry employs relatively few 16‐24 year olds and a higher proportion of 35‐54 year olds. |
|---|
| A small proportion of the energy and utilities sector workforce report having a disability. |
| An estimated 93‐96% of the energy and utilities sector workforce is white. |
[N.B. Data derived from Energy & Utility Skills Labour Market Investigation of the UK Water Industry, 2004 and Census of Population, 2001.]
Employment trends and future prospects
Around 3,000 new workers per year will be required by the industry between 2008 and 2017 with 31% of these needing to be graduates.
The water industry will continue to contract‐out major elements of its activities and so it is becoming increasingly reliant upon the supply chain. This is being driven by the need to achieve cost savings for customers.
The industry will remain subject to continued high levels of capital investment in order to meet the needs of ever more stringent environmental pressures. The industry recognises its significant role in maintaining a sustainable environment and it will need to develop new and innovative working practices if it is to operate in a more sustainable and carbon neutral manner. This will place an even greater demand for skills in science, technology, engineering and maths, particularly at higher levels.
Investment in the water and sewerage infrastructure will continue to be a major driver of labour demand in the water industry over the next decade and beyond.
Skill requirements and shortages
The main skill shortages that exist in the industry are for: Network Construction Operatives; Mechanical Technicians; Electricians; Leakage Control Technicians; Design Engineers; and Incorporated and Chartered Engineers. Due to the lack of graduates and other suitably skilled people looking for employment in the industry, it is unlikely that these skills shortages will be resolved. Skills shortages are particularly severe due to the age profile of the existing workforce and the workforce requirements of the major mains replacement programmes and continued efforts to reduce leakage rates.
Occupational trends
The occupations where demand for new recruits will be largest include: Network Construction Operatives; Network/ Process Technician; Mechanical/ Electrical Technicians; Leakage Technician; and Incorporated and Chartered Engineers.
The industry has a relatively high need for managers, professionals and associate professionals.
There is evidence to suggest that individuals will need to be recruited to some of the higher level technical and engineering occupations, as a high number of workers are due to retire within the next 10 to 15 years. It is believed that replacements may be difficult to find in sufficient numbers.
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are around 18,500 people employed within the industry in the East Midlands in approximately 320 companies.
East of England – There are some 13,000 people employed within the industry in the East of England in approximately 210 companies.
London – There are around 15,000 people employed within the industry in London in approximately 120 companies.
North East – There are some 9,000 people employed within the industry in the region in approximately 70 companies.
North West – There are some 21,000 people employed within the industry in the North West in approximately 280 companies.
South East – There are some 16,000 people employed within the industry in the region in approximately 270 companies.
South West – There are some 12,000 people employed within the industry in the South West in approximately 300 companies.
West Midlands – There are around 21,500 people employed within the industry in the West Midlands in approximately 210 companies.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are some 13,500 people employed within the industry in the region in approximately 220 companies.
Salary levels
Average basic salaries (excluding overtime and bonuses) for a selection of occupations found in the industry include:
- Civil engineer £38,000
- Mechanical Engineer £35,000
Starting salaries for young people and graduates entering the water industry range from £16,000 to £25,000. Upon completion of training these salaries can increase to between £26,000 and £35,000, depending upon the occupation.
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using EU Skills AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
