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Government & Water Companies Agree Unprecedented Skills Commitments

Water companies in England and the UK Government have agreed to an unprecedented series of actions to enable a huge increase in employment and a boost to the skills of the water industry workforce.

two men in high visibility jackets facing away from the camera inspecting water industry equipment

These commitments come as the water industry embarks on a record £100 billion programme of investment to help support economic growth, build more homes, secure water supplies and end sewage entering our rivers and seas.

With the water industry now the second largest source of private investment in the economy, the UK Government has declared water to be a ‘priority sector for economic growth’ at Water UK’s Skills Summit in central London, held on 15 July 2025.

Ministers also signed a ‘Water Skills Pledge’ at the event to ensure that every part of Government supports the skilled workforce required to deliver £100bn investment across England.

Government and the water industry announced an historic set of actions that will see:

The Environment Agency has predicted we will need an additional six billion litres of water every day by 2055 to meet demand. Reservoirs will be vital to ensure we have all the water we need and water companies will need to hire thousands of new specialists to build the ten newly approved reservoirs over the coming years. Alongside this water companies will have to recruit experts across many other disciplines including AI specialists and catchment scientists.

David Henderson, Water UK Chief Executive, said:

“The water industry needs 50,000 new people over the next five years to deliver new infrastructure which is vital for new homes and business expansion.

“Today’s announcement shows real commitment from both government and water companies, to developing the workforce for the future.  We cannot delay upgrading and expanding vital infrastructure any longer and, with the right skills in place, we will deliver for consumers, the environment and the economy.”

Environment Secretary Steve Reed MP said:  

“This government’s Plan for Change is delivering the largest investment in water sector history, securing £104bn of private sector investment.

“This fresh chapter of growth and opportunity has to be underpinned by delivering skills and an expanded workforce, so a new generation of frontline workers can clean up our waterways and build new infrastructure to serve customers and the environment.” 

Minister for Employment Alison McGovern MP, said:  

“Ensuring our young people have the training and skills they need to thrive is at the heart of our plan to Get Britain Working, and today’s pledge will help create a workforce fit for the future. 

“This record £100 billion investment shows how government and water companies are working together to provide stable jobs, alongside cleaner water and greater security of supply for customers.”

Skills Minster Jacqui Smith said: 

“Skills are the key to unlocking economic growth and delivering on the critical priorities in our Plan for Change. 

“It’s fantastic to see the water industry investing in homegrown talent through the pledges made at this summit, backing up our reforms to apprenticeships and the skills system to deliver the workforce Britain needs.”

The full list of commitments made by Government and the Water Companies can be found below:

Water companies have committed to:

Source: Water Magazine

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