New report highlights water management skills gap across Marches
11 May 2026
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.
Water Resources Management 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 Water Resources Management skills 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
Cllr Glyn Preston, Powys County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for economic development, 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."
To read the full report, visit Water Resource Management Skills Gap Report: An Exploration of the Water Resource Management Skills Gap through the Centre for Living with Climate Change (CLiCC) Demonstrator Project
