Working as a drainage engineer offers a rewarding and dynamic career within the essential drainage industry. From maintaining water disposal systems to supporting large-scale construction projects, this role plays a vital part in ensuring infrastructure runs smoothly and complies with environmental regulations.

At Lanes Group, we provide comprehensive training courses and opportunities for professional development, making this career path accessible to individuals from a range of backgrounds. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or new to the industry, a role in drainage engineering can offer long-term prospects, competitive benefits, and the chance to work on diverse and impactful projects.

If you’re considering a career that combines problem-solving, hands-on work, and opportunities for growth, becoming a drainage engineer could be the right choice for you.

What Does a Drainage Engineer Do?

Drainage engineers play an essential role in maintaining and improving the functionality of drainage systems. Their work involves tackling a range of tasks, from routine inspections and preventative maintenance to addressing emergency situations. At Lanes Group, drainage engineers work on both pre-planned and reactive projects, ensuring effective water disposal systems and supporting broader infrastructure needs.

Job Responsibilities

Drainage engineers assess drainage issues and deliver effective solutions with minimal disruption. Their work may involve clearing blockages using high-pressure water jetting or jet vacuuming, carrying out repairs through drain relining, or conducting basic drainage design evaluations. Some projects might be straightforward, requiring only inspections or minor maintenance, while others demand a more technical approach.

Problem Solving and Flexibility

A key aspect of the role is problem-solving. Engineers are expected to evaluate issues on-site, recommend practical solutions, and implement them efficiently. This requires a flexible approach, as tasks vary greatly depending on the situation. Working with different methods and equipment, engineers are relied upon to adapt to diverse challenges, always maintaining the high customer service standards for which Lanes Group is known.

Work Patterns and Environment

Drainage engineering isn’t a standard nine-to-five job. Variable working hours, including early starts, late finishes, and participation in an out-of-hours callout rota, are part of providing a 24/7 service. This ensures customers receive prompt support, whether for scheduled maintenance or emergency repairs.

Steps to Becoming a Drainage Engineer

A career as a drainage engineer offers a chance to work in a dynamic and growing industry, solving practical challenges and maintaining essential drainage systems. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to transition from a related field, there are several pathways you can take to join this rewarding profession.

1. Obtain a Degree

One of the most common pathways into drainage engineering is through an undergraduate or foundation degree in a related subject. To enrol in these courses, you typically need two to three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Relevant subjects include:

• Geology
• Geography
• Geophysics
• Civil engineering
• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Environmental engineering

These courses provide a strong foundation in key concepts, such as drainage design, water disposal systems, and environmental regulations, that are essential for the role.

2. Enrol in a College or Specialist Training Programme

If you don’t meet the requirements for a degree course, consider an HNC (Higher National Certificate) or HND (Higher National Diploma) from a college or specialist institution. These qualifications reduce the study period and prepare you for a trainee drainage engineer role.

Popular courses include:

• Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering
• Level 5 HND in Construction and the Built Environment

Additional skills, such as computer-aided design (CAD), are also highly valuable for drainage engineers and may improve your employability.

3. Find an Apprenticeship

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, apprenticeships provide an excellent route into the drainage industry. Many drainage or water companies offer structured apprenticeship programmes, which combine full-time work experience with learning opportunities.

Apprenticeships typically require:

• Five GCSE grades, including mathematics, English, and science, or one to two A-level grades.

You can search for opportunities through organisations like the Institute of Civil Engineers, which maintains a register of available apprenticeship programmes.

4. Obtain Work Experience

Gaining practical experience is vital to prepare for the challenges of drainage engineering. You can find work experience opportunities through:

• Placements offered during your studies or apprenticeship.
• Direct applications to employers.
• Part-time work during weekends or term holidays.

Work experience allows you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and gain a deeper understanding of the daily responsibilities of a drainage engineer.

5. Create a Compelling Drainage Engineer CV

With your qualifications and experience in place, it’s time to craft a CV that highlights your strengths as a drainage engineer. A strong CV should include:

• Core skills and certifications.
• Relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated passion for the role.
• Career aspirations within the drainage industry.

This is your opportunity to show employers why you’re the right candidate for the job.

6. Apply for Drainage Engineer Positions

Once your CV is ready, begin applying for drainage engineer roles. You can use industry connections, online job boards, or direct applications to companies to find opportunities. To improve your chances, tailor your CV to match the job description by aligning your skills and experience with the employer’s requirements.

Training Opportunities

One of the key benefits of joining Lanes Group is the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge through our structured training programmes. These are designed to ensure that every drainage engineer is equipped with the expertise required to deliver high-quality service, regardless of their starting point.

City & Guilds-Accredited Drainage Engineer Course

Our in-house training includes a City & Guilds-accredited Drainage Engineer Course. This programme covers:

• Core principles of drainage systems and water disposal systems.
• Up-to-date drainage theory, legislation, and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Safety standards and best practices for using high-pressure jetting equipment and other tools.

The training is delivered by highly qualified industry professionals who ensure that each participant gains practical knowledge and skills that can be applied on the job.

On-the-Job Mentorship

For those joining as drainage assistants, additional hands-on support is provided. New staff typically work alongside experienced engineers in two-person teams, gaining valuable guidance and experience in the field.

Career Progression

Our training doesn’t stop with induction. Lanes Group invests in ongoing learning and career development, providing long-term pathways for engineers to gain advanced qualifications and progress into senior roles. Whether it’s through leadership mentoring or further technical certifications, employees are supported every step of the way.

Salary, Benefits and Working Conditions

At Lanes Group, we offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment designed to help drainage engineers thrive. Whether you're just starting in the drainage industry or looking to advance your career, our pay structure, benefits, and working conditions ensure long-term stability and satisfaction.

Competitive Pay and Overtime Opportunities

• Salaries are scaled based on experience and skill level, with room for growth as you develop.
• Opportunities for overtime allow you to increase your earnings, particularly during busy periods or out-of-hours callouts.

Flexible Work Patterns

• As part of our commitment to supporting a 24/7 service model, drainage engineers can choose from a variety of shift patterns.
• While the role may include early starts, late finishes, and participation in an out-of-hours callout rota, these flexible options can fit different lifestyles and preferences.

Employee Benefits

Joining Lanes means becoming part of a team that values and invests in its workforce. Benefits include:

• Access to an optional company-wide health scheme.
• Workplace pension contributions.
• Childcare vouchers to support working parents.
• Corporate uniforms and free parking at 80% of our depots and offices.
• 20 days of paid holiday per year for full-time employees.

Comprehensive Training and Resources

In addition to the City & Guilds-accredited Drainage Engineer Course, employees receive the equipment and support needed to carry out their work safely and efficiently.

Join Us

Joining the Lanes team is about more than taking a job - it’s about building a long-term career. We are dedicated to providing our staff with secure opportunities for growth, supported by company-funded training programmes that help drainage engineers enhance their skills and progress professionally, all under the guidance of experienced engineering mentors.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards a rewarding career in drainage engineering, explore the opportunities available at Lanes Group today.

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