When David Lingard joined our specialist water and environmental division, Churchill Environmental Services (CES), nearly seven years ago, he was looking for a role that would combine practical work with technical knowledge.
Having spent much of his career working in trades and plumbing, David had recently developed an interest in swimming pool maintenance, particularly the chemistry and theory behind water systems. As he began exploring new career opportunities, a conversation with a friend introduced him to the water hygiene industry.
“It sounded perfect and came at just the right time. I liked that it combined practical work with the theory side as well. There are so many different areas within water hygiene, which keeps things interesting.”
Today, David is a Team Leader within CES, supporting our engineers across a wide range of client sites and helping to ensure projects run smoothly. His journey from Water Hygiene Engineer to Plumbing Engineer, and now Team Leader demonstrates the variety of career pathways available not only within the water hygiene industry but across the wider facilities management sector.
Encouraged to take the next step
One of the things that has stood out to David throughout his time at CES is the culture of development and support that exists across the business.
As his career progressed through different roles, he found that opportunities were actively communicated and colleagues were encouraged to consider how they could develop their careers.
“When positions became available, they were brought to our attention and we were encouraged to consider them. There is always a clear plan, training and support in place. It never felt like you were being left to figure things out on your own.”
For people considering a career in water hygiene, David believes this is one of the industry’s biggest advantages. While many people may only associate the sector with engineering roles, there are a wide range of opportunities available depending on your interests, strengths and ambitions. Whether that means developing specialist technical expertise, broadening your skills across different disciplines or progressing into leadership positions, there are many routes available to build a long-term career.
Having a network of experienced colleagues willing to share knowledge and provide guidance gave David the confidence to embrace new challenges and continue developing his skills.
“There’s always somebody you can turn to for advice. Even if you don’t need that support all the time, it’s reassuring to know it’s there.”
Continuing the development journey
Alongside gaining experience through different roles, David has continued his professional development. He recently completed a Water Hygiene Supervisor apprenticeship, building on the knowledge and practical experience he had already developed throughout his career. The opportunity to gain a recognised qualification was particularly valuable to David, as it helped him deepen his understanding of the industry, particularly the science and chemistry that underpin water hygiene services.
“It expanded my knowledge and showed me just how much depth there is within the industry. Every time you learn something new, you realise there’s another level to explore.”
It’s this combination of practical work, technical knowledge and continuous learning that David believes makes water hygiene a rewarding career choice. Far from being a role where every day looks the same, he says the industry continually presents new challenges, new environments and new opportunities to learn.
From learning to leading
One of the most rewarding aspects of David’s current role is supporting the engineers around him.
As a Team Leader, a significant part of his day involves helping colleagues overcome challenges, sharing knowledge and providing practical support when needed. Whether that’s talking through a problem over the phone or joining someone on-site to work through an issue together, David takes a hands-on approach to helping others succeed.
“I like being there for the other engineers and helping them when they need it. It’s about making sure they know they’re not alone when they’re facing a challenge.”
For David, one of the most satisfying aspects of leadership is seeing colleagues grow in confidence and develop their own skills over time.
“It’s rewarding to help somebody through something and then see them go on to do it independently. Eventually, they’re helping other people as well, and you can see how much they’ve progressed.”
David’s story reflects one of the strengths of a career in water hygiene and the wider facilities management sector. Success isn’t just about individual development – it’s also about learning from others, sharing knowledge and helping colleagues reach their potential.
A hidden gem for career opportunities
Reflecting on his progression journey so far, David believes one of the biggest misconceptions about water hygiene is that people often underestimate the variety of opportunities available within the industry.
Many people enter the sector without fully realising the breadth of career paths open to them. From engineering and plumbing to leadership, compliance, training and specialist technical roles, there are numerous directions a career can take.
For anyone considering a role in water hygiene, David’s advice is simple: stay curious, keep learning and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
“Make sure it’s something you enjoy and don’t be afraid to learn more. The more you put into it, the more rewarding it becomes.”
As an employee owner, David is proud to play a part in supporting both his colleagues’ development and the future success of our business.
His own journey from Water Hygiene Engineer to Team Leader demonstrates what can be achieved through continuous learning, professional development and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
For those considering a career in water hygiene, David’s story is a reminder that a single role can be the start of many different career paths.
Interested in joining our water hygiene team? Explore our latest opportunities and discover where a career in water hygiene could take you.