1. The industry

Behind oil and electricity, the water industry is the third largest in the world. In the UK alone, some 16 billion litres of high quality water is collected, treated and supplied to domestic and commercial clients every year. A further 10 billion litres of waste water is also collected and treated.

Since 1950, the world's population has doubled, which has tripled water usage. The continuing pollution of supplies has also stepped up the need to purify resources. Increased demand means more water construction jobs are needed to cope with increased operations.

Water engineering jobs play an essential part in developing new ways to purify water, whilst civil engineers are central to creating infrastructure such as dams.

2. What do water construction jobs involve?

Water construction jobs immerse you in a huge range of skills and industries. Many positions, from water engineering jobs to project management roles, can be found in construction firms, as well as in several government organisations such as the Environment Agency (EA).

The work is very varied in water construction jobs. You'll find it can involve working with a whole range of liquids - but generally you'll deal with the provision of clean water, disposal of waste water and sewage and prevention of flood damage.

The water sector is made of many levels requiring several different tasks. The technical ability required for a role will depend on your position and preferences. For example, water construction jobs can include overseeing anything from the construction of a new water pipe to designing water treatment systems.

3. The current climate

Compared with the majority of industries, the sector has weathered the recession well. This is thanks to the necessity of water. On top of this, there's also a skills shortage which means water construction jobs are as strong as ever.

Construction plans that include building new water pipes are very rarely cancelled. In tough times they are simply delayed, so water construction jobs are retained.

Also playing its part in the ever increasing need for water engineering jobs is the growing focus on the environment, which has pushed the boundaries of technology in the water sector.

4. What will employers look for?

Often employers will look for a civil engineering or environmental background when they recruit for water engineering jobs.

The largest employer in the water sector is Thames Water, which currently has over 4,000 employees. Many of these are in water construction jobs, central to helping the company provide a good service by maintaining and improving its 31,100km of water mains and 68,000km of sewers.