Water quality scientist : Training

Employers generally provide on-the-job training. Formal training is usually provided for procedural and regulatory issues and is often delivered by relevant agencies or consultants. Self-directed study, distance learning and multimedia are also used by some employers.

There are frequent changes within legislation concerning water quality and with new issues arising constantly; employees are required to keep their knowledge up to date. An example of this is the Water Framework Directive which involves the management of river basins.

Support is usually provided for those who want to study for relevant professional qualifications, normally those of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) . The CIWEM has two levels of postgraduate qualification, the certificate and the diploma; both are modular and therefore offer considerable flexibility to students. A comprehensive programme of continuing professional development (CPD) is also offered.

The larger water companies have graduate training schemes or management training programmes, and these tend to concentrate on commercial functions and water operations management, rather than water quality work. They typically provide structured training towards understanding all aspects of the business, as well as support for professional qualifications. The Environment Agency (EA)  occasionally recruits environment officers and puts them through structured training programmes which include water quality.