What do you think of when you imagine working in the drainage industry?

If you haven’t experienced it before, you’re probably not picturing the most glamorous scene. However, there is much more to a career in this sector than meets the eye. Modern drainage work is about advanced technology, innovative solutions and safe, well-organised projects that keep the UK’s drainage infrastructure performing at its best.

In this article, we’ll look at what the job is really like, how today’s drainage systems are built and maintained, and why joining this industry could be a smart move for anyone who likes hands-on work with long-term prospects.

Drainage technology is dirty, but not as dirty as you think

We’d be lying if we said there was no dirt or occasional odours involved. After all, our job is to make sure Britain’s drains, sewers and wastewater networks run smoothly. But most of our teams’ contact with sewage and waste is far less frequent than people imagine.

Our engineers use advanced technology such as CCTV survey equipment to diagnose drainage issues with pipes, drainage products and sanitary drains. Problems are often solved without digging, thanks to no-dig technology like cured-in-place pipe relining that doesn’t require excavation work. Our team members also use specialist high-pressure jet vac units to remove debris, clear storm drains and keep water flow natural and safe.

When there is contact with what we call FOG: fats, oils and grease, such as when blockages need to be cleared, state-of-the-art personal protective equipment is deployed. Health and workplace safety are always a top priority here.

Shaun Ciccone, wastewater engineer for Lanes, says: “When I ran pubs, we would have to clean up very dirty toilets, or clean up after someone had been sick. Most people have experienced a certain amount of bad smells and sights. Anyone who has looked after a baby knows that.

“There are moments when you are faced with some challenging jobs, but they’re not as frequent as people think, and we’re given all the equipment, clothing and training - including safety procedures - to manage them properly.

“It’s not something I am concerned about now, and I would advise others not to let that side of things stop them thinking about a career with Lanes.”

When a job does get messy, engineers don’t take uniforms home - we have washing facilities at all depots nationwide.

In addition, our engineers - those who get their hands dirtier than most - aren’t the only people who work here at Lanes Group, the UK’s largest privately owned drainage contractor. We also have a huge range of other functions within the business, such as:

• Drivers
  • Tanker drivers
  • HGV drivers
  • Mechanics
  • Jet vac operators
• Office-based roles
  • Area development managers 
  • Depot leads
  • Depot managers
  • Customer coordinators 
  • Administrators
  • Operations managers 
  • Field support

It’s clear that there is much more going on behind the scenes than a lot of people realise, which means working in the industry isn’t just about the gunge and the gunk.

People perks

Modern work in the drainage industry goes far beyond digging up muddy trenches. Our engineers and ground teams install and maintain a wide variety of drainage systems - from traditional pipework and surface water control channels to newer, sustainable drainage systems and green infrastructure that helps manage water flow naturally. These drainage solutions keep communities safe by reducing the risk of flooding and protecting homes, roads and workplaces.

However, our days are not spent in isolation. They’re filled with interaction - with the customers we support when we turn up to a job, and with the close-knit teams our engineers work alongside every day.

Chris Huston, drainage engineer, says: “What’s most important is the people skills - wanting to help customers who are having problems with drains and sewers.

“That’s what gives me a big buzz. Helping someone - it could be a pensioner or a young mum looking after kids - and making their lives better by sorting a drain blockage or flooding incident.”

Those affected by situations like this are often very distressed, as you can imagine, and it’s extremely important that the teams that visit them to assess and fix the problem are empathetic and compassionate. And when you show empathy and compassion on a daily basis, it all adds up to great job satisfaction.

Working in drainage solutions brings a range of benefits

The wastewater industry is expanding quickly as the UK's local authorities invest in smart drainage systems, better water management and nature-based solutions that support the environment. That growth creates career opportunities and solid job security - especially with Lanes, the UK’s largest privately owned drainage and wastewater contractor.

At Lanes, we offer better starting salaries than a lot of graduate roles in many other industries, meaning those who want to begin a rewarding career can do so without being out of pocket.

We also offer a range of other industry-leading rewards and benefits, such as: 

• An optional company-wide health scheme.
• Free parking across most depots and offices.
• Flexible holidays.
• Free tea, coffee and water.
• Shift systems on some contracts to suit your routine.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies.

Wastewater management brings a deluge of training

We are serious about helping our employees have a rewarding career within the drainage industry - and to us, that means investing in significant amounts of training and development. In the first six months, our new starters get access to considerably more training than other companies in the industry provide, because we are dedicated to helping employees hit the ground running.

We also offer a more innovative training environment than you might expect, highlighted by our unique 360-degree projection theatre called the Igloo.

This state-of-the-art training centre delivers wraparound sound and vision, which allows teams to instantly see and hear what it is like to be inside a sewer - even in hazardous situations - without having to leave the training room. This means the trainee is able to gain a totally different perspective on the industry than they would get elsewhere.

A challenging, active and dynamic career

Working in the drainage industry isn’t easy - it’s active and no two days are ever the same. But that’s what many of our people enjoy. One day, you might be helping a community stay safe by installing new smart drainage systems to handle flood risk; the next, you might be maintaining vital surface water drainage channels to ease stress on the wider infrastructure.

James Lewis, a blockage engineer, had previously worked as a car salesman, but finds the dynamism and unpredictability of his new career extremely refreshing and rewarding.

“I love working at Lanes and being a drainage engineer. It was a bit of a change from selling cars, but I’ve never regretted the move. Every day is different and brings new and interesting challenges,” he says.  

These challenges are often physical as well as mental, which offers a whole host of other benefits. Since joining Lanes, James has lost nearly four stones in weight because he has replaced sitting at a desk with being out and about all day.

Transferable skills

Another important point you may not realise about working in this sector is that it’s one that attracts talented professionals from a whole host of different career backgrounds - as you can see from our diverse staff stories. 

Just some of the skills and qualities we’re looking for include:

• Driving skills
• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Willingness to learn
• Task planning and organisation skills
• Enthusiasm
• Health and safety knowledge
• Decision-making skills
• Machinery and equipment operating skills

Whether you have experience in the industry or not, there is likely to be a place for you if you have some of these skills - it’s never too late to change lanes in your career.

Discover your next role

These are just some of the interesting - and often surprising facts and personal stories about working in one of the most secure sectors in the UK. Do you have any questions about what it’s like to work in the drainage industry that we haven’t answered in this piece? If so, get in touch by using our online contact form. 

Meanwhile, check out our open roles to see where you might fit into the Lanes Group family.