Thought the water sector was all about biology and engineering? Think again.

The new updated Water Research Commission’s (WRC’s) new Water@Work Career Guide lists detailed information on no less than 62 career options in the water sector, ranging from accounting and agriculture to social science, water history and zoology. The colourful guide, which is available electronically or in hard copy, is intended as an overview of career paths available in the world of water. It is an ideal resource for learners ready to make subject choices or prospective students exploring possible areas of study. New areas of study, such as polymer science, one focus area of which is nanotechnology, have also been included in the guide.

Readers can also find an exhaustive list of useful contacts, including those institutions which offer bursaries and internships.

Despite its small size, the South African water industry is recognised globally for its innovation and creativity in science and technology, write WRC CEO, Dhesigen Naidoo, in the foreword of the guide. “The sector faces many challenges, such as the growth of the population, the need to grow the economy, the pollution of our scarce water resources, and the threat of global climate change. These are all opportunities for a new generation of water sector specialists to be innovative in creating the necessary solutions to ensure our country remains on a sustainable path going into the future.”

The WRC has for a long time realised the importance of growing capacity in the sector, funding the training of around 500 post-graduate students a year through its commissioned research projects in various fields of study.

Several of the careers in the water sector have been listed as scarce and critical skills. “In order for the South African water sector to remain successful it is vital that young people are enticed to become part of the water family,” said Lani van Vuuren, Print Communications Team Leader at the WRC.

“Young people need to know that while mathematics and science are important for a number of careers in the water sector, there are also other career paths to follow. In addition to scientists and engineers, the sector also requires economists, writers, social workers, historians and lawyers, to name but a few.”

To order a copy of the Water@Work Career Guide (WRC Report No. SP52/13), contact Publications at Tel: (012) 330-0340, Fax: (012) 331-2565 or Email: orders@wrc.org.za