If you’re asking whether civil engineering is a good career for women, you’re not alone.

Engineering has traditionally been seen as a male dominated industry, which can make it harder to picture yourself in the role. But the reality is changing, and many firms are proactively working to attract and retain female engineers.

Across the UK, more women are now building successful careers in civil engineering and utilities, taking on everything from project roles to leadership positions. With the right support, it’s a career that offers long-term stability, progression and the chance to make a real impact.

In this guide, the team at Lanes will explore what a career in civil engineering and utilities looks like for women, the benefits on offer and how we are actively supporting women engineers to succeed in the utilities industry.

What does civil engineering in the utilities sector involve?

When people think of civil engineering, they often picture vast bridges, skyscrapers or complex transport networks. While that’s part of the story, civil engineering is also about the fundamental infrastructure that keeps our society running every day. This is where the utilities sector comes in.

Civil engineering in utilities roles focus on the design, construction and maintenance of essential services, including:

• Water and wastewater systems: making sure clean water reaches our homes and that wastewater is managed safely and efficiently. This involves everything from reservoir management to the complex network of underground drainage pipes.
• Energy grids: developing and maintaining the infrastructure for electricity and gas that powers our communities.
• Telecommunications: building the networks that keep us connected.

At its heart, it’s a profession dedicated to public service. As a civil engineer in this field, your work has a direct and positive impact on public health, environmental safety and the daily lives of millions of people. In a utilities-focused company like Lanes Group, our roles are often practical and hands-on, but also involve teamwork, communication and problem solving skills.

What are the benefits for women in civil engineering today?

The opportunities for women in engineering are more promising than ever. According to recent industry data, women now make up just under a fifth of the civil engineering workforce, and this number is steadily growing, with an increasing number holding leadership roles. Here are some of the key benefits driving this change:

High environmental impact

A career in civil engineering and utilities allows you to be at the forefront of solving some of society's biggest challenges. Many women in the field are leading the charge towards a sustainable future, working on innovative infrastructure projects, such as sustainable drainage. You could be involved in designing green infrastructure, developing state-of-the-art water purification systems, or managing projects that contribute to the UK’s "Net Zero" goals. It’s a job where your knowledge and hard work directly contribute to a healthier, safer world.

Excellent financial stability and a narrowing pay gap

Civil engineering is a highly skilled profession and is rewarded as such. It’s one of the highest-paying careers globally, with entry-level salaries in the UK often starting competitively, with increases as you move up the ranks.

Crucially, the gender pay gap in engineering is significantly narrower than in many other industries. In the wider construction and engineering sectors, women earn approximately 94-95% of what their male counterparts earn, compared to the broader UK average of around 82%. This commitment to pay equity makes it a financially secure and fair career choice. At Lanes Group, we go one better. As a prominent employer in the industry, we believe it is important to lead by example. All our staff, regardless of their sex, receive equal pay.

A growing support systems

There has never been more financial and professional support available specifically for women entering engineering. At Lanes, we are leading the way in our industry to make sure women feel able to join us.

That means we offer the likes of:

• Mentorship programs: pairing early-career women with seasoned female executives who can offer guidance and support.
• Networking events: creating opportunities to connect with peers and build a strong professional network.

If you want to hear from our people, and what it is like to work at Lanes, explore our staff stories.

What roles are available for women in civil engineering?

One of the biggest advantages of a career in civil engineering and associated utilities roles is the variety of specialisms available.

You might work as:

• A jet vac engineer supporting community infrastructure
• A CCTV engineer involved in exploratory work or 
• An industry specialist, such as a or a bid manager or site supervisor

Utilities roles often combine practical work with technical understanding. This means you don’t always need to follow a traditional academic route like a civil engineering degree to get started. There are also opportunities to move between roles as your career journey develops, and that makes it an exciting entry point for women looking to secure upskilling and career progression - something Lanes values for all our team.

How Lanes Group supports women in engineering

At Lanes Group, we are committed to being part of the solution and building an environment where women can thrive. We believe that attracting more women into the utilities sector is essential for bringing new perspectives and driving innovation.

Our approach is detailed in our commitment to recruiting women engineers and staff, and it is built on several key pillars:

• The "Women at Lanes" Network: launched in 2024, this internal network provides a dedicated space for female colleagues to connect, share experiences and access support for their career development.
• A Variety of Shift Patterns: we offer a range of shift patterns, including "four-on, four-off" rotas, to provide options that can accommodate different personal and family needs.
• Hiring for Talent: we focus on recruiting based on talent and transferable skills rather than just prior industry experience. We provide comprehensive training and development opportunities to help everyone build the necessary expertise.
• Industry Partnerships: we actively collaborate with organisations like the Women's Engineering Society and the Women’s Utilities Network to support sector-wide change and provide our employees with access to their valuable mentoring and networking events.

Ready to find out more?

If you’re interested in a career in civil engineering or utilities, explore our current opportunities and apply today.

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