- Water
- 15 Apr 2026
We recently completed our first Sector Entry Pilot, in partnership with Energy & Utility Skills and the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), to address skills shortages across the sector and create new routes to permanent jobs.
This initiative is designed to target people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), as well as those facing significant barriers to finding work. After holding a series of information sessions at Jobcentres across the North to promote this opportunity, we selected seven candidates to take part in a four-week Domestic Meter Option (DMO) training programme on our Yorkshire Water contract.
Following the training, six participants have taken up roles within M Group.
Our industry faces a widening skills gap, especially in specialist areas like metering and trailer resource management. The Sector Entry Pilot is our response to these challenges. By identifying and supporting people who’ve had difficulties entering the workforce, we’re breaking down barriers and making sustainable, meaningful employment possible.
The training, delivered by our specialist partner HSP, equips candidates with essential knowledge and practical skills in smart metering, excavation, water meter installation, and streetworks safety. This bespoke training combines technical learning with supervised practice in our own controlled training facility, so each trainee is ready for real-world jobs.
At M Group Water, attracting new talent into the industry is one of our biggest challenges. As we look to expand our DMO team and support Yorkshire Water’s ambitions, the Sector Entry Pilot provides a practical, effective solution. Bringing in this cohort of seven new starters allows us to upskill local people and give them an opportunity to grow within the business.”
Scott Findlay, Operations Manager at M Group Water
My previous background was as a bricklayer for 10 years, so I’ve always enjoyed working outdoors. After an injury, I was looking for work and the Jobcentre told me about this opportunity, taking into account my experience. Through the training, I feel I’ve found a job for life, with real prospects and opportunities to progress. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and learning new skills. Even though I’ve worked outside before, installing meters is a whole new challenge."
Kieran Sector Entry Pilot Trainee
Our training focuses on developing DMO teams who can carry out skilled tasks, including excavating to live water services, installing meters, site reinstatement and safe trailer handling.
The training is fully funded by DWP, which means we can provide high-quality, targeted development at no cost to the business.
This pilot shows what can be achieved when industry and government work together. By aligning training with employer demand, we are creating opportunities for individuals while addressing critical skills shortages.”
Stephen Barrett, Director of Membership and Strategic Engagement at Energy & Utility Skills
This pilot is a brilliant example of what happens when government and industry work together to break down barriers to employment.
Our mission is to equip young people and those re-entering the workforce with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. Partnerships like this one are turning that ambition into reality, creating opportunities for people and filling the critical skills gaps our industries need to thrive."
Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith
Looking ahead, we’re working with EU Skills and DWP to continue to offer this training opportunity, supporting greater inclusion and resilience for our industry.
