Thames and Welsh join gas network firm in recruitment venture

Thames Water, Welsh Water, contractors, Amey and Cadent, and gas network operator, Southern gas Networks have joined a senior group of energy and utilities companies to deliver a digital platform to draw skilled recruits.

The platform, Talent Source Network (TSN), will bring employers, talent and strategic partners together, “simplifying accessibility to a complex market,” said TSN.

TSN said its member employers reacted swiftly to offer support to those at risk of redundancy at Carillion. In partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, the employers were quickly able to share 850 vacancies with affected personnel.

Engaging with new and younger audiences is seen by TSN as key to the sector’s ability to deliver its commitments to the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline.

Energy and water companies account for the greatest share of the UK Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline (2017/18 - 2020/21) at 43% (£104.8bn) with transport in second place at £78.5bn, which is responsible for 29% of 2017/18 – 2020/21.

TSN said the sector’s 500,000 UK workforce is ageing with close to 20% of it due to retire within the next decade, creating a need for 221,000 roles to be filled by 2027. According to TSN, 35% of its vacancies are hard to fill due to skills shortages. This, it claimed as the highest percentage of any UK sector with the national average at 23%. And the sector will require more advanced digital and engineering skills as the UK moves towards a smart energy system.