Drainage engineers provide efficient and effective management of domestic and commercial drainage issues. These professionals are at the heart of our services and on the front lines of our operations. At Lanes, we have several types of drainage engineer roles, but each has the fundamental responsibility of using our state-of-the-art equipment, as well as providing great customer service to our clients.
As Lanes continues to expand, the opportunities for aspiring drainage engineers are growing. Whether you are looking to start your career or seeking a dynamic new role within the engineering field, Lanes offers a range of prospects along with extensive training and development programmes designed to foster long-term career growth.
In the following blog post, we explain how you can become a drainage engineer, whether you are already experienced in the drainage sector and are looking for a more hands-on role, or you are taking your first steps into the drainage industry.
Drainage engineers are tasked with addressing and resolving the various drainage problems that our customers face. The role is dynamic, requiring both planned maintenance work and the ability to react swiftly to emergency situations. This varied workload ensures no two days are the same, providing an engaging work environment for all staff, and so a good candidate will be able to use their better judgement to adapt to new situations.
Drainage engineers must also conduct thorough inspections and carry out necessary maintenance to prevent future issues. During emergencies, a drainage engineer might employ advanced techniques such as high-pressure water jetting or jet vacuuming. At times, more extensive repair work may be needed, such as drain relining, to restore drainage systems to optimal function. While this is not something our engineers are expected to do on the fly, proactively identifying these issues is a key step that can save businesses and households unnecessary costs.
The nature of the job demands a high level of expertise and the ability to assess situations quickly and recommend practical solutions. We train our drainage engineers to deliver solutions efficiently, minimising inconvenience for our clients while upholding the standards of quality and service that Lanes is known for.
To join our team as a drainage engineer and perform effectively, you will need certain qualifications and skills. A full UK driving licence with no more than three penalty points is necessary, and for some positions, a full HGV Class 1 or 2 licence may be required, along with a completed Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
Candidates with experience or certified training in high-pressure water jetting equipment are highly desirable. Additionally, qualifications such as a New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) training certificate, a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, and an understanding of working in confined spaces will enhance your application.
However, we at Lanes recognise that potential is just as important as experience. We value candidates with transferable skills who demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to learn. As such, previous work in wastewater and drainage is not a prerequisite. We provide extensive training and all the necessary equipment to ensure our engineers are fully competent and confident in their roles.
For those less experienced, applying for a drainage assistant role could be an ideal starting point. These positions involve working alongside seasoned professionals, allowing for on-the-job learning and skill development.
At Lanes, we believe that investing in our employees' growth is key to their success as well as ours. We offer a structured training pathway that includes our City & Guilds-accredited Drainage Engineer Course. This comprehensive course is developed in-house and delivered by highly qualified industry experts. It covers the latest in drainage theory, legislation and professional safety standards, ensuring our engineers are well-equipped to handle the demands of the job.
Beyond the initial drainage engineer training, we provide continuous professional development opportunities in the form of further training modules that keep them up-to-date on new technologies and methods in the industry. This ongoing learning ensures that our team exceeds the standards of service and expertise our clients expect from us.
Career progression is a key focus of our People Strategy. We invest in mentoring programmes where experienced engineers can guide less experienced team members to integrate into their roles effectively, and accelerate their professional development.
Our career pathways allow for advancement from assistant roles right up to senior engineering positions, depending on individual aspirations and performance.
This focus on training and development ensures that every member of our team can build a fulfilling and successful career at Lanes Group, with the support and resources they need to advance.
Applying for a position as a drainage engineer or assistant at Lanes Group is straightforward. Interested candidates should start by visiting our drainage engineering careers page, where they can view current vacancies, detailed job descriptions, and the specific requirements for each role. Here, applicants can submit their CVs and any additional documentation required for their chosen position.
Upon receipt of applications, our HR team conducts a thorough review process to ensure candidates meet the necessary qualifications and fit well with our company ethos. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to participate in an interview, which may include practical assessments depending on the role applied for.
New hires can expect a comprehensive induction process upon joining. This includes detailed onboarding sessions where new team members become acquainted with our company culture, safety protocols and operational procedures. During the initial weeks, new engineers will work closely with senior staff to ease their transition into their new roles, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.
Lanes is committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment for our drainage engineers. We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal needs, and therefore offer flexible working conditions that can be tailored to suit various lifestyles. Our engineers benefit from competitive salaries, which are complemented by performance-based incentives and opportunities for overtime.
Our drainage engineer remuneration package includes several benefits:
Lanes also upholds a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all segments of the community, ensuring that no capable candidate faces unnecessary barriers. We believe in providing every employee with the opportunity to excel, regardless of their background.
To learn more about how you can get your drainage career started, take a look at the careers section on our website, or browse our resources for more information on what it is like to work with us.
Lanes Group Ltd,
17 Parkside Lane, Parkside Industrial Estate, Leeds, LS11 5TD
Lanes Group ltd
Customer Solutions Centre
9 Cambridge Avenue
Slough
SL1 4AY
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