CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENT IN THE UK

Have you ever considered just how vital the role of natural resources are in modern society? A wide range of professions are involved in the exploration, extraction and management of such resources, and the careers are often highly rewarding with the prospect of worldwide travel.

If you, think you might be interested in the practical use of science and engineering to solve some of the very real problems the Earth faces - then read on!

There is widespread public ignorance regarding our overwhelming dependence upon natural resources. Wherever we live, whatever our lifestyle, we all contribute towards the constant demand for minerals, hydrocarbons and water. Metals for cars, drink cans and jewellery.

Building materials for houses, office blocks and roads. Oil and gas to generate electricity for domestic and industrial purposes. Water simply to sustain life. These resources are essential for our current level of technological development and underpin the economies of most developed and developing countries.

Ever growing demands are being placed upon the provision of these resources due to increases in population and high rates of economic growth in countries such as Brazil, China, Indonesia and India. Recycling has an increased role to play, but cannot possibly meet all of these demands.

Think about the source of the materials in the buildings, infrastructure and objects you have used or come in to contact with today and you will realise that the old saying "if it can’t be grown it has to be mined" will remain valid throughout the 21st Century.

As a consequence, more than ever before, there will be a continued demand for appropriately qualified graduates who can help address the complex issues associated with the continued provision of these increasingly scarce resources.

Following the recession of the early 1990’s, mineral exploration and extraction is relatively buoyant and there are worldwide shortages of high calibre graduates, within certain disciplines.

UK scientists and engineers exert considerable influence within the international industries associated with the exploration and extraction of natural resources and associated environmental protection. A wide variety of careers exist which, in part, will be determined by the degree or diploma course that you choose at University.

Typical degree subject areas that contribute graduates towards these areas of employment include mining engineering, minerals engineering, geology, surveying and resource management and environmental science and technology. Most of these subject areas have no direct equivalent at A level so previous knowledge is not always necessary.

However, what most Universities are looking for are a broad scientific and/or mathematical background and the wish to use science and engineering in a practical way. In addition, you will need to develop the communication skills that most employers are looking for.

Due to the possibility of world travel, a working knowledge of one or more foreign languages will aid your employability and some universities provide language training as an integral part of a science or engineering degree.

Once you graduate, you might find yourself combining state-of-the-art technology with your geological knowledge to help locate new mineral or hydrocarbon deposits. You could be responsible for surveying and designing the site for a new mine in a remote tundra region in sub-zero temperatures, or researching the use of biochemical processes to achieve more efficient separation of gold from its ore.

Environmental protection is of vital importance and you could be employed to assess the impact of proposed mineral extraction, or implement land restoration programmes, or prevent contamination of water supplies. Many graduates will seek professional affiliation with the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Geological Society or the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

There are degree and diploma courses in many universities around the country that provide excellent training for employment in the areas mentioned above - and many more besides. However, always investigate the relevance of the course for your intended career and find out about the graduate destinations from that particular institution.

One thing is certain, there will be a worldwide demand for appropriately qualified professionals to help solve the issues associated with provision of natural resources for many years to come. UK graduates are in a strong position to compete.

The author: Dr Robin Shail, Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter http://www.ex.ac.uk/CSM/

This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain