Dec. 6, 2002 -- A growing problem in the environment sector has prompted the publication of a new guide to careers in the environment.
Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide, to be published on 13 December, is aimed primarily at young people aged 16-25 to give them an insight into the broad range of career options in the sector. The book will also be a valuable reference guide for careers services, libraries and environment organisations.
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), the leading professional body for people working in the environment, has identified two problems. Firstly, employers are having difficulties in recruiting suitably qualified experts in certain areas.
Secondly, it is estimated that over 80% of environmental graduates are not currently working in the sector, which is partially due to the lack of helpful information available about career options. The environment sector in the UK has a £16 billion turnover and employs around 170,000 people.
There is continuing growth, with the global market forecast to reach £500 billion by 2010. In the UK, there are several areas of specialist work where expertise is in short supply, particularly in the water resources sector. In some instances companies have had to recruit abroad and CIWEM has recently recommended to the Home Office that engineers in the water and environment sector should be added to the official shortage list.
Environmental Careers - The Inside Guide gets to the heart of what young people want to know when seeking a career in the environmental sector. It is written in a non-technical style and contains unique information imparted by people working in the sector. It lays out the many different options available to them, giving a comprehensive analysis of 25 specialist areas, with personal profiles and valuable insights from the people that know the sector - the professionals working within it.
Each chapter lists the main employers, salaries and career opportunities and gives guidance on whom to approach for further information. Among the specialist areas covered are nature conservation, water resources, flood defence, energy, fisheries, forestry, agriculture and soil science, transport, waste management, contaminated land, environmental policy, law and journalism. There is also general information on getting a first job, volunteering and student placements.
CIWEM's Executive Director, Nick Reeves, said "There is a real shortage of good inside information specially written for those seeking a career in the environment and for the organisations supporting them. Many young people who are committed to improving the environment cannot find employment in the sector because they are not being helped with their career choice at an early stage and this is a great loss. This publication aims to bridge the gap and ensure that the best and most current advice is available from sector experts."
The book and its related web site, www.environmental-careers.info, will be an ongoing reference and resource for libraries, careers services and organisations which communicate with job seekers. The website will keep up to date with developments in the sector and the book will be updated every two years. The book is A5, softback, with 225 pages and costs £9.99 plus postage and packing. ISBN 1 870752 73 2.
