Recruitment in Industrial Services: Trends for 2025 and Beyond

Over the years, I’ve seen industrial services shift from basic waste disposal and site maintenance to a driving force in sustainability and innovation. Companies aren’t just managing hazardous materials or industrial cleaning anymore. They’re integrating AI, robotics, and circular economy strategies to meet new demands.

The real challenge here isn’t change itself; it’s finding the right people to lead it. With the global industrial waste management market set to grow from USD 1,065.4 billion in 2023 to USD 2,703.3 billion by 2033 (CAGR 10.9%), demand for compliance specialists, sustainability consultants, and tech-savvy operators is outpacing supply.

In this blog, I’ll explore the trends reshaping industrial services, the roles defining its future, and how businesses can secure the talent they need for 2025 and beyond.

Key Trends in Industrial Services

1. Sustainability and the Circular Economy

Regulatory pressure and corporate ESG commitments push industrial firms to adopt greener waste management practices. According to a 2024 report from Make UK, the number of firms setting ESG goals has risen by 48%, reflecting growing expectations from customers, suppliers, investors, and regulators​.  If you haven’t already, 2025 is the time to be looking at how you can improve efficiencies to make sustainability more integrated into your operations.

2. Technology-Driven Operations

AI, robotics, and IoT remain a hot topic, transforming industrial waste management and hazardous material handling. 88% of UK manufacturers have already invested or plan to invest in AI and machine learning (ML) within the next 12 months, according to a report from Rockwell Automation​. The focus is shifting towards predictive maintenance, automated waste sorting, and AI-driven quality control.

3. Supply Chain Agility and Resilience

Delays in raw material supply, rising transportation costs, and workforce shortages are increasing pressure on waste management and recycling operations​. In response, companies are investing in real-time tracking, automated inventory management, and predictive maintenance to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. 

4. Workforce Safety and Risk Management

With stricter regulations and increasingly complex hazardous environments, companies are prioritising specialist technicians and risk management professionals to enhance safety in industrial cleaning and waste handling. Demand is rising for trained safety experts, compliance officers, and advanced protective technologies in high-risk settings like petrochemical plants and manufacturing facilities.

5. The Skills Shortage Crisis

A shortage of skilled workers in operational and technical roles continues to challenge industrial services. 97% of manufacturers struggle with hiring and retaining skilled labour, with 75% citing it as their most significant barrier to growth​. This issue is particularly acute in sectors requiring expertise in hazardous waste management, sustainability, and automation, where demand is rapidly outpacing supply.

Strategies to Attract and Retain Talent in Industrial Services

The demand for specialised skills in industrial services is growing, yet the workforce isn’t keeping pace. Key roles in hazardous waste management, industrial cleaning, and sustainability consulting remain difficult to fill, with a widening gap between available talent and industry needs​. As automation and AI reshape operations, businesses also require data analysts, robotics engineers, and compliance specialists to drive efficiency and meet regulatory demands​.

To bridge this gap, companies must focus on upskilling existing employees, recruiting from adjacent industries, and building long-term talent pipelines. Partnering with universities, trade schools, and apprenticeship programmes can help create a steady flow of skilled professionals. Meanwhile, competitive salaries, robust training schemes, and clear career progression are essential for retention, ensuring businesses don’t just attract talent but keep it.

How to Stay Competitive:

• Upskilling and Training – Invest in education and development to equip workers with emerging technical skills.
• Cross-Sector Recruitment – Target talent from related industries like manufacturing, logistics, and renewables.
• Employer Branding – Showcase sustainability initiatives and career development opportunities to attract purpose-driven professionals.
• Competitive Compensation – Offer regionally adjusted salaries, hazard pay, and relocation assistance for specialised roles.
• Flexible Work Models – Implement hybrid options where feasible, particularly for compliance and consultancy roles.

Businesses that proactively refine their recruitment and retention strategies will be best placed to navigate 2025’s workforce challenges and secure top-tier talent.

Growing Your Team?

Are you looking to scale your team or keen to discuss the topics covered in this article in more detail? Get in touch with Sadie on LinkedIn or here.