Water sector needs more than 43,000 new recruits by 2030

Energy & Utility Skills has estimated that the water industry will create 30,000 new jobs between 2024-30 – an average of 4,300 a year and a 36% increase over the period taking the water industry workforce to 113,200. 

In its latest annual summary report for the water industry, the employers’ membership organisation has calculated that a further 13,700 jobs will need to be filled due to retirements – 16% of the workforce (see chart).

According to Energy & Utility Skills, 47% of the new recruits – some 21,000 people – will initially be working at the lowest grades of the regulated qualifications framework at grade three or below.