It’s All Action But Not All Pongs Say Drainage Engineers

If you think working in the drainage industry is always smelly and all about poo, think again. That’s the message from the teams working at Lanes depots serving the North West.

Think more about a job where every day is different, you get a real buzz using unique skills and knowledge to help others.

Depots in Eccles, Preston, and Chester are tasked with supporting Lanes’ commercial and domestic customers across the region.

Preston Depot Manager Simon Nickalls has worked for Lanes for 17 years, starting as a jet vac tanker driver.

“Okay, there is poo, and there can be smells. But that’s just one part of the job,” said Simon. “We have a lot of kit and procedures to stay safe and clean. A lot of myths are quickly dispelled when people join us.”

His operational supervisor John Addison, agrees: “What’s special about Lanes is the variety of the work. You’re out and about helping others. You get a lot of very positive feedback.

“Our teams receive a lot of training and hands-on coaching. Safety is a priority. So is customer service.”

Jet vac tanker driver John Clayton joined Lanes in February, and is the Preston depot’s newest recruit. He is a former soldier who served in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

He says: “The technology is very impressive and every day you’re learning something new. We work as a team providing an essential service.”

Jodie Morris is a jet vac tanker assistant at the Preston depot, and one of a growing number of women Lanes is keen to encourage to work ‘on the tools’.

“I love my job,” she says. “There’s no reason women can’t do this work and everyone’s very supportive. I see myself having a good career at Lanes.”

Beki Mlilo, a CCTV drainage survey engineer who has worked at the Manchester depot since 2018, is equally enthusiastic.

The Salford University biology graduate says: “When we arrive at a worksite, I sense customers think ‘Lanes is here, the job will get done’. And I never want to let them down.”

Beki, like every other Lanes drainage engineer, has stories to tell about unusual finds down sewer pipes. One of his was a Champagne bucket and football – but no cupwinning footballer.

Other regular sewer inhabitants are Action Men. “It’s clear kids want to send their soldiers on a special adventure down the loo,” says Simon. “We rescue them. But parents don’t want them back!”

Above:John Clayton

Above:Jodie Morris

Above:Beki Mlilo

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