A series of workshops exploring opportunities and careers related to water management is being held in the upper Severn Catchment.
The Centre for Living with Climate Change (CLiCC), one of the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme’s demonstrator projects, is running the interactive sessions through Biz Ed CIC.
Running from 18 June to 10 July 2025, these half-day sessions will bring together people from land management, flood risk, water regulation, education, and community sectors across Shropshire and Powys.
The workshops for invited stakeholders will inform the work of the CLiCC demonstrator project, managed by Shropshire Council under the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme.
The workshops will focus on:
- Identifying future skills needs in water resource and natural flood management
- Exploring gaps and opportunities in current training provision
- Building inclusive, locally rooted pathways into green careers
Stakeholder insights will directly inform CLiCC’s research and future action planning, helping to ensure that the region is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a changing climate.
CLiCC aims to create a talent pipeline by collaborating with various partners, including the River Severn Partnership, local authorities, the Environment Agency, schools, colleges, and universities. This collaboration will help build skills and create opportunities for people to learn about climate change impacts and how to adapt to them.
Melissa Spiers, who is leading the project, said:-
“One of the main goals of CLiCC is to address the local skills gap in the water management sector. By providing training and development opportunities, the centre hopes to prevent the migration of skilled workers away from the area.”
David Vasmer, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for the environment, said:-
“These workshops are a vital opportunity to bring together local voices and expertise to shape a more resilient water future for the Severn Valley.
“By identifying the skills we need and the gaps we must fill, we can build a stronger, greener workforce that’s ready for the challenges ahead.”
The workshops are being held in Newtown, Shrewsbury, Welshpool and Oswestry.
About SVWMS: The SVWMS, is a partnership between the EA, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council with the intention to tackle flooding, support thriving communities and create resilient environments through sustainable and holistic water management.
People can also keep up to date with progress of the scheme and all the latest news and events by viewing the SVWMS website, which seeks feedback from those with an interest in the scheme.
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