Watertrain launches ‘Building Skills for Tomorrow’ campaign to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships and training
March 3, 2025
Apprenticeship Reforms 2025: What you need to know
March 21, 2025
For International Women’s Day (8 March), Watertrain are looking closer at how the water industry can open doors for women in water through apprenticeship opportunities.
The water industry has long been a predominantly male-dominated field, with women historically underrepresented in technical, operational and leadership roles. However, the landscape is changing. More women are stepping into the sector, challenging stereotypes and playing a crucial role in supporting innovation and efficiency.
A key driver of this transformation? Apprenticeships.
By providing accessible, hands-on training and structured career pathways, apprenticeships are breaking down barriers and fostering greater gender diversity in the water industry.
Gender diversity: The statistics
While progress has been made, women still represent a minority in the UK’s water and utilities workforce. According to recent industry reports:
- Women less than a third of the water workforce
- Representation is even lower in operational and engineering roles
- Women and minority groups are leaving the industry at the same rate they are joining
This lack of gender diversity isn’t just a representation issue—it’s a missed opportunity. A diverse workforce drives innovation, enhances problem-solving and improves business performance. The industry needs a broader talent pool to tackle future challenges, from climate change resilience to infrastructure development.
How apprenticeships are driving gender inclusion
1. Breaking stereotypes & encouraging early engagement
One of the biggest challenges to gender diversity in the workforce is perception. Many young women don’t see careers in industries such as water as viable options, often due to outdated stereotypes.
Apprenticeships challenge this by:
- Providing hands-on experience that allows women to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed
- Offering structured entry points that lead to progression and long-term career opportunities
2. Making the industry more accessible
For many women, entering the water industry can seem daunting due to a lack of role models or industry exposure. Apprenticeships create an inclusive entry point by:
- Providing mentorship and networking with industry professionals, including women already leading the change
- Helping employers to adopt inclusive recruitment practices and lead by example to inspire others
3. Building confidence & skills in a supportive environment
A common challenge women face in traditionally male-dominated industries is imposter syndrome—the feeling that they don’t belong. Apprenticeships help overcome this by offering:
- Practical, on-the-job training that builds confidence, supported by experienced Learning Development Coaches
- Exposure to female role models in technical and leadership roles who can guide and encourage apprentices
4. Creating pathways to leadership
Apprenticeships aren’t just about entry-level roles—they’re about career progression. Many women who start as apprentices advance into leadership positions, proving that the industry is not just open to women, but can actively support their growth.
Employers committed talent development can utilise apprenticeships to upskill the existing workforce, ensuring a diverse pipeline of future leaders who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and experience to drive innovation in the water industry and tackle evolving challenges.
Building a future of equal opportunities
The UK water industry is evolving, and gender diversity is a vital part of its future success. Apprenticeships are playing a crucial role in opening doors, building skills, and creating a more inclusive sector—one where talent, not gender, defines opportunity.
Watertrain have seen the positive impact of apprenticeships first-hand and will be showcasing success stories throughout the ‘Building Skills for Tomorrow’ campaign.
Discover two of Watertrain’s women in water success stories below:
Join the change
Watertrain is proud to be supporting the next generation of water industry professionals, regardless of gender. If you’re interested in exploring apprenticeships opportunities in your organisation or want to learn more about fostering inclusivity, get in touch today:
Email: info@watertrain.co.uk
Telephone: 03330 431 431
