The drainage sector has traditionally been dominated by men, leading to a significant gender imbalance that persists today - only 19% of energy and utilities sector staff members are female, compared to a UK average of 48% across all trades. However, the landscape is changing, and we want to help. Apprenticeships provide a valuable pathway for women to gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in technical roles, contributing to a more diverse workforce.

At Lanes for Drains, we are committed to supporting women in their career journeys. As the UK's largest privately-owned specialist drainage and wastewater contractor, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where female candidates can flourish with the opportunities we provide. This guide explains why apprenticeships are important and how they can be especially beneficial for women who want to enter the drainage sector.

The Importance of Apprenticeship Opportunities for Women

For many young workers, apprenticeships are a necessary stepping stone to enter the workforce, particularly in sectors like drainage that require specialised skills. For women, these opportunities offer chances for professional development, but also for breaking down barriers in industries that are male-dominated.

The drainage sector is facing a skills gap, with a significant demand for trained professionals to manage the complexities of modern infrastructure. By encouraging women to take up apprenticeships and providing them with the support necessary, we can help fill this gap, while also empowering a new generation of skilled workers.

The Impact of Women in the Utilities Sector

Increasing the representation of women is a strategic imperative. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives that lead to innovative solutions and improved performance. At Lanes, we understand that gender diversity enhances our ability to tackle the complex challenges faced by the drainage industry.

Women contribute unique insights and approaches that can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making. By encouraging more women to pursue careers in drainage and utilities, we are not only addressing the skills gap, but also fostering a more dynamic and effective workforce.

You can read more about why we’re working to support and expand our female workforce on our blog.

At Lanes, we are proud to have experienced female professionals in senior roles across our organisation, including key positions in human resources. This representation ensures that the needs and perspectives of female staff are understood and supported.

Lanes for Drains’ Commitment to Gender Equality

We believe that gender should never be a barrier to success. We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment for our female employees across all levels of the organisation. Our commitment to gender equality is evident in our policies and practices that foster an inclusive workplace culture:

• We offer a range of flexible working options to accommodate the diverse needs of our employees. Whether you are seeking traditional 9-to-5 hours or more flexible shift patterns, such as our four-on, four-off schedules, we strive to provide roles that fit your lifestyle.
• We prioritise training and personal development for all our staff. Women entering our apprenticeship programmes will find numerous opportunities to build their skills and advance their careers, regardless of their previous experience. We are committed to long-term career development, allowing our apprentices to establish stable and rewarding careers within the Lanes family.

Our competitive salaries ensure that all our staff are fairly compensated in accordance with their responsibilities and experience, regardless of gender.

Apprenticeships at Lanes

At Lanes for Drains, we offer a variety of apprenticeship opportunities tailored to both technical and administrative roles, providing pathways for women to enter and excel in the drainage sector.

Click here to learn more about our drainage engineer roles.

Business Admin Apprentice

Our drainage engineers rely heavily on skilled administrative staff to support their operations. As a Business Admin Apprentice, you will develop valuable skills in office management, customer service, and proficiency with CRM and finance systems. These roles are crucial for the smooth running of our operations and offer a solid foundation for a future career in administration or management. The skills you acquire here will be transferable and invaluable in various career paths within and outside the drainage industry.

Click here to learn more about our administrative staff.

Training and Development Opportunities

Our commitment to ongoing training and professional development ensures that every team member, including apprentices, can continually enhance their skills and advance their careers.

As well as training for the job, we go above and beyond to give our staff the means to prepare for their roles. Apprentices will undergo essential training specific to their positions, such as high-pressure water jetting and street works. These courses are mandatory for our drainage engineers, so they are equipped with the skills to perform safely and effectively.

Beyond core training, we offer optional courses to further expand skill sets. For example, drainage engineers have opportunities to gain their HGV licences and undertake specialised training, such as OS19X training and bespoke CCTV training, allowing our apprentices to gain a competitive edge in the job market.

One of the unique features of our training at Lanes is the Igloo - our 360-degree projection theatre located at the CSC Centre in Slough. This innovative learning environment provides a realistic, immersive experience, allowing trainees to see and hear what it is like to be inside a sewer without leaving the training room. This pioneering training aid delivers a more meaningful and interactive learning experience.

For those in office-based roles, we provide training in sales, administration and customer care, alongside workshops focused on leadership skills and customer service behaviours. Additionally, we encourage team members to pursue further qualifications, such as those from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), and foundation-level certificates in HR from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

We encourage women interested in a rewarding career in drainage and utilities to explore the apprenticeship opportunities available at Lanes for Drains. Together, we can build a more inclusive future in the drainage sector, where all individuals have the chance to excel.

Visit the Lanes Group Careers website today to discover our current apprenticeship and trainee listings and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us.

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