The commencement of Asset Management Plan Period 8 (AMP8) on April 1, 2025, signals a period of significant transformation and growth across the UK water sector. 

AMP8 is anticipated to make one of the biggest impacts we have seen in utilities for decades, given that the plans for the project are around four times larger than any asset management plans previously put in place.  

Aiming to improve efficiencies, alleviate supply chain risks and drive forward the future of the water sector, the ambitious AMP8 plans will have far-extending implications on the way the sector, its processes and its workforce operates.  

A New Era of Sustainability and Innovation in Water Utilities 

AMP8 is at the forefront of driving the water sector into a future focused on sustainability, reliability and innovation, steering water utilities towards changes that’ll help achieve the UK’s net zero emissions goals.  

In the UK, the water sector is currently responsible for around 1% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, and for many years the number of serious pollution incidents in water utilities has increased steadily. 

With a growing need for change in the industry, and pressure to make these changes as soon as possible, AMP8 has been devised – building on the impacts of the previous AMP7 infrastructure upgrades – to encourage innovative thinking, planning and collaboration within the supply chain, enabling water companies to benefit from specialised knowledge, skills and technologies that will shape a cleaner, greener and more responsible and sustainable water sector.  

  • Digitalisation: Embrace complete digitalisation and data-driven operations. 

  • CSOs: Transition from reactive responses to CSO spills to proactive prevention. 

  • Nature-based solutions: Integrate Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) into routine operations. 

AMP8’s Challenges and Opportunities 

The water sector faces several challenges as it adapts to the changing priorities under AMP8. These include hitting environmental targets, implementing social value initiatives, ensuring affordability amidst local and global supply chain disruptions, and rising costs. Evolving regulations and the urgency of addressing climate change necessitate significant investments in infrastructure and technologies to reduce environmental impact. Failure to do so could result in regulatory penalties, fines, and reputational damage 

Additionally, the water sector is facing up to the combined challenges of a workforce that is aging, with many skilled workers nearing – or already at – retirement age, and a potential talent shortage.  

Despite these challenges, AMP8 presents numerous opportunities for the sector. By fostering supply chain collaboration and encouraging innovation, the water sector can enhance its resilience to climate change and improve overall efficiency. The focus on sustainability and long-term practices will not only benefit the environment but also drive vital investment in local regions and economies, and in their people, who’ll be needed to help fill the sector’s skill gap and be part of the workforce that’ll drive the initiatives – and their proposed impacts – forward.  

AMP8’s Impact on the Water Sector Workforce 

The successful implementation and delivery of AMP8 will depend heavily on the ability to find and hire the right talent, with the right skills, for the variety of roles – across various disciplines – that are available within the water sector and ensuring that all companies and their workforce have access to solid talent pipelines.  

There are concerns that this may be tricky, with many major water companies believing that sourcing talent throughout the AMP8 cycle will be the project’s biggest challenge. However, there are already plans afoot and actions being taken to tackle such challenges head on, to ensure the water workforce is prepared and ready.  

For instance, South West Water’s multi-billion-pound AMP8 project plans to drive significant investment in sustainable water services and management in the southwest, creating numerous job opportunities. Working in partnership with Carbon60, South West Water are looking to connect talent with incredible opportunities to contribute to the companies AMP8 objectives, and those of the overall UK programme.  

The emphasis on sustainability and innovation will also require the existing workforce to upskill and adapt to new technologies and practices. This shift will not only enhance the sector's capacity to meet environmental targets but also ensure that water services remain affordable and efficient for consumers 

Job Opportunities in AMP8 

The AMP8 project will open up a wide range of job opportunities across various disciplines. Some of the key roles, such as those that Carbon60 and South West Water are recruiting for, include: 

Project Planners: Responsible for developing and managing project schedules, ensuring that all project activities are completed on time and within budget. 

Project Managers: Overseeing the execution of projects, coordinating with different teams, and ensuring that project goals are met. 

Quantity Surveyors: Managing project costs, preparing cost estimates, and ensuring that projects are completed within budget. 

Site Agents and Engineers: Supervising construction sites, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and managing on-site activities. 

Mechanical and Electrical Project Engineers: Designing and implementing mechanical and electrical systems for water infrastructure projects. 

Commissioning Engineers: Ensuring that all systems and components of a project are designed, installed, tested, and maintained according to the operational requirements. 

These roles will not only contribute to the successful delivery of AMP8 but also provide professionals with the opportunity to be part of a transformative journey in the UK water sector. 

Looking ahead 

AMP8 marks a pivotal moment for the UK water sector, bringing both challenges and opportunities. By embracing sustainability, fostering innovation, and collaborating with the supply chain, the sector can navigate the complexities of this ambitious plan. For the workforce, AMP8 offers a chance to be part of a transformative journey, contributing to the development of sustainable water services and enhancing regional water management. 

As we move forward, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together, ensuring that the goals of AMP8 are met and that the UK water sector continues to thrive in the face of evolving challenges.