The global water and sanitation sector is facing a growing workforce challenge as aging employees, limited career visibility, and outdated perceptions continue to discourage young professionals from entering the industry. Although many young graduates are motivated by environmental sustainability and engineering innovation, poor working conditions, low salaries, and limited opportunities for professional growth are weakening the sector’s ability to attract and retain talent. A recent survey conducted across six Western Balkans countries confirmed that while many young people are interested in meaningful careers within the water sector, structural barriers continue to prevent them from fully engaging with the industry.
The survey highlighted several major concerns affecting workforce development in the sector. Low salaries remain the biggest challenge for both recruitment and retention, while unclear career pathways and weak mentorship systems reduce long-term professional motivation. Many young professionals also reported that hiring processes often depend heavily on personal connections rather than open access and merit-based recruitment. In addition, outdated digital systems and resistance to innovation make the sector less attractive to younger, technology-oriented workers who are seeking modern and dynamic work environments.
Despite these challenges, the report emphasizes that the issue is not a lack of interest among young professionals but rather the absence of accessible pathways into the industry. To address this gap, the Utility of the Future – Center of Excellence initiative, supported by the World Bank and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, has launched several practical programs focused on improving access, mentorship, innovation, and professional networking for young water professionals across the Western Balkans.
One of the key initiatives is the Young Water Professionals Network, which creates opportunities for young people across the region to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate on issues such as digital transformation, climate adaptation, and sustainable water management. By encouraging peer learning and regional cooperation, the network aims to strengthen professional relationships and make the sector more attractive to future graduates.
Another important initiative is the Innovation Challenge for Young Professionals, which encourages young workers to propose solutions to real-world water sector challenges including energy efficiency, digital integration, and water loss reduction. This approach allows young professionals to actively contribute to decision-making processes while increasing visibility for innovative ideas and modern technical solutions within utilities and water institutions.
The report also highlights the importance of the First Work Experience Program, which provides paid placements for recent graduates within water utilities. The initiative removes traditional barriers that often require prior experience for entry-level jobs and instead focuses on practical learning, mentorship, and direct involvement in operational projects. Participants gain experience working on infrastructure management, energy systems, and digital water technologies while receiving guidance from experienced professionals in the sector.
Experts involved in the initiative argue that governments, universities, utilities, and development organizations all have an important role in modernizing workforce development in the water sector. Recommendations include removing unnecessary experience requirements for entry-level jobs, creating stronger university-utility partnerships, improving compensation structures, and expanding structured internship and mentorship programs. Development partners are also encouraged to invest in trainee programs that combine practical experience with long-term career development opportunities.
The report concludes that the water sector offers significant opportunities for young professionals interested in engineering, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and digital innovation. However, attracting the next generation of talent will require systemic reforms that improve workplace conditions, create visible career pathways, and provide meaningful opportunities for professional growth. As water systems become increasingly important for climate adaptation and sustainable development, building a skilled and motivated workforce is becoming essential for the future of the sector.
