Learning flows both ways for future water leaders

Discover how Fulton Hogan is inspiring future water leaders through a pipeline of knowledge and hands-on discovery.

Fulton Hogan is making waves as the Education Sponsor at Ozwater’25 for the fifth consecutive year. Its steadfast commitment to nurturing future water leaders is evident through the Education Hub, a platform designed to immerse hundreds of primary and secondary school students in the diverse realm of water management. More than just a showcase, it serves as a space for exploration, connection, and learning – where students, educators, and industry professionals come together to discover what it means to shape the future of water.

The water industry is at a pivotal juncture. Climate change, population growth, and ageing infrastructure are increasing pressure on systems. As technology advances, so does the need for agile thinkers and fresh ideas. Addressing these issues requires a workforce with technical capability, environmental awareness, and a willingness to challenge convention. Inspiring future water leaders establishes the groundwork for resilient and responsive solutions, beginning with education and early engagement.

Aaron Lutton, General Manager for Queensland at Fulton Hogan Utilities, has been closely involved in the company’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education engagements since 2022. Lutton’s experience in project delivery and people leadership underpins his passionate advocacy for early engagement with students — especially those who may not yet see themselves in the water sector.

Bridging education and industry

Fulton Hogan recognises the importance of connecting academic learning with meaningful, hands-on experiences. Through its national STEM Program and the Education Hub at Ozwater, students gain first-hand exposure to the complexities and rewards of careers in the water sector. These initiatives introduce students to potential career paths and highlights the industry’s social and environmental value.

One such success story comes from Marsden State High School in Queensland, which has partnered with Fulton Hogan’s Utilities team as part of an annual STEM engagement program since 2022.

“When we first turned up at Marsden, it was a little bit of ‘Why are they here?’” Lutton said. “Now we’re in our fourth year, and kids from previous years come up asking, ‘What’s the problem this year?’ and ‘Can we go to the site again?’”

He described a noticeable transformation in student engagement. Attendance improved and students became more curious. “They want to be involved. They nag their mum and dad to drive 45 minutes to take better site photos,” he said. “They come out of their shells, and some who were once shy are now running for school captain or head of house because they’ve built that confidence through the program.”

Lutton said that while many students haven’t graduated yet, he’s already seeing results. “We’ve got students choosing classes in Years 11 and 12 that align more closely with our work,” he said. “Some are calling up pipe suppliers and negotiating like little entrepreneurs – they’re curious, thinking, and learning. That shift from passive learning to interactive engagement is what’s driving new behaviours.”

“If we don’t, who will?” Lutton said, emphasising the shared responsibility industry holds in guiding the next generation. “The earlier, the better. They might go another way if they don’t know it’s an option. We want to make sure they at least know the industry is there.”

Addressing the skills gap

The water industry is not alone in dealing with a skills shortage, with an ageing workforce and increasing demand for innovative solutions. As many seasoned professionals approach retirement age, the urgency to replenish and diversify the talent pipeline has grown. Technical knowledge, data literacy, and adaptability are becoming essential traits for the water workforce of tomorrow.

Initiatives such as Fulton Hogan’s national STEM Program are reshaping industry perceptions by actively engaging with students and showing them the range of available roles. Lutton said these interactions help break outdated stereotypes about utility work and highlight the exciting advancements in smart infrastructure, environmental technology, and digital water management.

The program doesn’t stop at sparking interest. It helps students visualise clear, achievable career pathways. Through continued partnerships with vocational education providers, TAFEs, and universities, Fulton Hogan is helping to create direct links between education and employment in the sector.

“It’s not just about creating future engineers or accountants – everyone has an access path,” Lutton said. “If they want to be out in the field, we’ll let them safely observe our frontline workers and machinery in action in a supervised fashion. That sparks interest and helps them choose trade categories that align with what we do.”

Collaborative efforts for a sustainable future

Fulton Hogan’s collaboration with educational institutions and industry bodies exemplifies the power of collective action. These partnerships go beyond one-off events — they are ongoing relationships built on mutual goals to empower students, build workforce capability, and support community resilience.

Through co-designed problem-based learning projects, field visits, and mentoring opportunities, schools deliver learning aligned with STEM outcomes and grounded in industry relevance. Primary and secondary schools benefit from practical insight, helping them refine their programs to meet the growing demand for civil engineering, environmental science, and data analytics skills.

Industry bodies such as the Australian Water Association also play a key role by connecting government initiatives, private-sector innovation, and grassroots engagement. Lutton said the Education Hub is a tangible example of this synergy — a shared space where each stakeholder contributes to shaping the sector’s future.

The Education Hub offers a variety of interactive experiences, from workshops and panel discussions to guided tours of Ozwater. These activities are designed to demystify the water industry, highlight its significance in daily life and link classroom learning with practical outcomes. Students can engage with a range of professionals, ask questions, and gain insights that go beyond the traditional classroom learning environment.

Candice Martin, a grade three teacher at Colonel Light Gardens Primary School in South Australia, highlighted the impact of this collaboration. She has seen students take real-life examples of their learning and become more engaged as a result.

“The students appreciate that so much more because they can see how this applies in the real world,” Martin said. “The students are also picking up persuasive language and working to convince Fulton Hogan staff that their idea is good. There are so many great ways that we, as teachers, can transfer that knowledge to students and see that these young boys and girls are more engaged. This is before we look at their general capabilities, such as creative and critical thinking. Our collaboration with Fulton Hogan has given us many opportunities to see students putting those skills to use.”

Looking ahead

As Australia navigates an era of unprecedented change, the need for passionate and skilled water professionals has never been greater. Lutton said Fulton Hogan’s dedication to inspiring future water leaders is a testament to their commitment to a sustainable water future.

“We’re not saying everyone’s going to enter the industry,” he said. “But we’re making sure everyone has the opportunity. We’re trying to bring what we do into the forefront of students’ minds so they can make educated choices about their futures. It’s about giving them access and confidence.”

For more information, visit fultonhogan.com