YOUNG people pondering future career options are being urged to think water and help fill one of the 40,000 vacancies expected in the industry by 2018.
With an aging workforce and heightened demand for professionals to help save water or make its use more efficient, the Australian Water Association fears the current water workforce won't be able to keep up without a major recruitment drive over the next decade.
CEO of the Australian Water Association, Tom Mollenkopf, said 80,000 people currently work in the industry, but many were over the age of 50 and nearing retirement age.
This week, Mr Mollenkopf launched the "H2Oz careers in water" campaign to encourage more people to consider a career in water.
"The good news, especially for young Australian men and women, is that the water industry will provide diverse opportunities in the professions and trades in both the private and public sectors," Mr Mollenkopf said.
"In the national water industry people can work in urban, regional or rural locations. We need people in engineering science, all manner of trades, customer service, planning, accounting, IT and human resources.
Mr Mollenkopf said the Australian water industry was considered a world leader in improving environmental and health outcomes.
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