A new report has highlighted a growing skills gap in Water Resources Management (WRM) across Shropshire and Powys at a time when the region is facing increasing pressure from climate change, population growth and an ageing workforce.
The research has been carried out by the University of Chester through the Centre for Living with Climate Change (CLiCC) Demonstrator Project which is managed by Shropshire Council on behalf of the Severn Valley water Management Scheme.
WRM plays a vital role in keeping communities safe, supporting nature, and managing risks such as flooding and drought.
The report explores training, career pathways and skill development on the ground across the water sector, identifying skills gaps and what is needed to strengthen the workforce in the future,
CliCC project lead Melissa Spiers, from the University of Chester, said:-
“Nationally, the need for skills in the water sector is already well recognised. The UK is planning major workforce growth, with around 50,000 new recruits needed by 2030, including thousands of apprentices. Despite this, our research finds that WRM skills are not currently prioritised in local skills plans for either Mid Wales or the Marches.
“Specialist courses such as hydrogeology degrees are in decline, awareness of WRM careers is low in schools and colleges, and there are few clear vocational or entry‑level pathways into the sector.”
Alongside specialist technical expertise in areas such as hydrology, engineering, ecology, data analysis and mapping, people also need strong problem‑solving, communication, community engagement and project management skills.
Melissa added:-
“There is also a clear mismatch between education and practice. While many courses provide a good theoretical foundation, they often offer limited opportunities to develop applied, real‑world skills. This places a burden on employers to provide on‑the‑job training, which can be particularly challenging for smaller organisations with limited capacity.”
The report sets out practical steps to help address these challenges locally. These include developing a regional WRMskills and competency framework and establishing clearer career pathways for young people, career‑switchers, including both degree and non‑degree routes.
It also recommends creating a CLiCC skills space to coordinate applied training, mentoring and shared learning across organisations, making it easier for people to build and maintain skills without leaving the region
Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council Cabinet member with responsibility for economic growth, said:-
“The region has a real opportunity to build a strong local workforce, support good jobs and improve resilience to climate change.
“Through the Marches Forward Partnership we are fast-tracking the type of strategic investment in people and training that will allow the Marches to position itself as a national leader in Water Resources Management innovation, supported by a skilled, locally rooted workforce delivering lasting environmental and economic benefits.”
Click here to read the full report.
About the SVWMS: The SVWMS is a cross-border initiative led by the Environment Agency, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, and funded by Defra. Its aim is to develop a holistic water management strategy for the upper Severn, which could serve as a model for similar projects nationwide.
