WJA launches first national awards for water jetting excellence
Britain’s first business awards dedicated to the water jetting sector will celebrate the organisations and individuals raising standards across the industry.
The Water Jetting Association (WJA), the UK trade body for water jetting, is introducing the awards to recognise outstanding performance and encourage wider adoption of best practice.
The inaugural WJA Water Jetting Awards will take place alongside the association’s annual general meeting on 18th September 2026.
Highlighting innovation and impact
WJA Director Leanne Smith said: “We’re looking forward to celebrating the people and businesses that make the water jetting industry what it is. Our members play a vital role, and this is an opportunity to recognise that contribution.
“We hope to see strong participation across all industrial sectors. These awards offer a platform to highlight the skill, innovation and impact our members bring to their customers and the wider UK economy.”
Water jetting is an essential industrial process across many industries, including drainage and wastewater network maintenance, oil and gas, petrochemicals, manufacturing, construction, and facilities management.
Outstanding individuals to be honoured
It is used to prepare, clean and cut surfaces and structures, including pipes and tanks, and remove materials through hydrodemolition.
Ten awards will be presented during a ceremony at the AGM dinner, held at the Crowne Plaza East Midlands Airport Hotel, in Kegworth, Leicestershire.
Categories include WJA Member of the Year, Trainer of the Year, Equipment Manufacturer of the Year, and Innovation of the Year.
Individual achievements will also be recognised, with awards such as Operative of the Year, Young Person of the Year, and Trainer of the Year.
Two standout honours — the Outstanding Contribution to Water Jetting Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award — will recognise those who have made a significant impact on the industry.
Recognition for young water jetters
WJA Chairman Lee O’Callaghan said: “We’re particularly keen to show our appreciation of frontline operatives. Water jetting is a demanding job, and the people delivering it to a high standard deserve recognition.
“We also want to highlight the opportunities available to younger people. Encouraging new entrants into the industry is essential to its long-term success.”
Entries for the awards will be open exclusively to WJA members in this inaugural year, with the potential to expand to non-members in future.
Leanne Smith added: “This is a great opportunity for our members to showcase the quality of their work. It also gives us another way to promote both our members and the industry as a whole.”
A digital entry form will be available on the WJA website from mid-May, with submissions closing on 31 July.
Entry is free, and members may submit multiple entries.