Steve Barratt, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement at Energy & Utility Skills, contributed as a keynote speaker at the annual National Water Resilience Debate on Thursday, 22 May 2025.
He was joined by Elouise Leonard-Cross, Group Head of HR at Northumbrian Water, Hugh Thomas, Water Treatment Service Line Director at AtkinsRéalis, and Fiona Punchard, Head of Membership and Communications at the Institute of Water.
Hosted by Cranfield University, the debate focused on; the scale of the skills gap in the industry, the skills required, recruitment strategies, and what job seekers are looking for in a career in the water industry.
During the discussion, Steve reiterated Energy & Utility Skills Group’s commitment to addressing workforce and skills challenges, highlighting how emerging technologies, evolving job roles, and increasing pressure to deliver at pace present not only challenges, but also significant opportunities to strengthen the workforce and future-proof the sector.
In his presentation, Steve referenced the ‘Energy and Utilities Sector Workforce Demand Estimates – 2024 to 2030’ – a series of reports containing estimates of the number of new jobs and people required across the UK energy and utilities sector by 2030. Headline estimates for the Water industry during this period include:
- 30,000 new jobs will be created, an average of 4,300 per year
- 43,700 new people will be required to enter the industry’s workforce for the first time, an average of 6,200 per year
- 16% of the workforce (13,700 people) are forecast to retire by 2030
To overcome these challenges, he highlighted the potential and opportunity offered by occupational mapping and standard setting, underlining their importance in improving sector-wide capability, operational efficiency, and workforce mobility. He also emphasised initiatives led by Energy & Utility Skills Group—facilitated through partnerships with organisations such as the Construction Leadership Council, CSCS, Solar Energy UK, RenewableUK, National Grid, and stakeholders in Scotland—are helping to drive progress.
To conclude, Steve reiterated the necessity for a cross-sector response to address both current and future workforce needs. He noted that by acting early and at pace, the sector can develop a safe, skilled, and sustainable workforce that delivers wider benefits — including greater social mobility and improved mental and physical wellbeing. As a result, improving access to meaningful jobs, establishing clearer entry routes, and enabling career progression will contribute to a more resilient infrastructure — supporting cleaner waterways, improved air quality, enhanced natural spaces, and better flood prevention measures for communities across the UK.
