What it's really like for young people working in (and trying to break into) the UK water sector.
The UK water sector needs to - and is actively trying to - recruit and retain more young people, more women and more people from diverse backgrounds. But what is the experience from the other side? What's it like for the people the water sector would love to recruit and retain? Do they feel attracted to the industry? Do they find entering it easy? What about when they start work - do they feel welcome and comfortable? Can they see themselves building a happy and successful career? Or do they face barriers and challenges?
There's no better way to find out than to actually ask real people for their lived experiences, views and opinions... so that's what we do in this episode. We speak to two young people - one (Malak) who is in her first year working in the water sector and the other (Saad) who is trying to get his first job in the sector.
What follows is a fascinating conversation that reveals plenty of challenges, opportunities and insights that are like gold-dust to anyone involved in the effort to recruit - and support the careers of - the future young, diverse and gender-balanced workforce the water sector needs.
Plus if you are someone who wants to get a job in the water sector, or you have new hires in your team... there is a whole lot of valuable knowledge in this episode.
Malak Huseynli is a Process Commissioning Engineer at Evoqua Water Technologies / Xylem UK and you can find her on LinkedIn here.
Saad Qazi is actively looking for a role in the UK water sector. He has led a water reuse project at his cricket club and been recognised by the Water Industry Forum for his research. You can find him on LinkedIn here.