Student Education and Enhancement Development (SEED) Program

Water treatment professionals are in high demand. The earnings potential and job security provided in this field of work are just what you are looking for on graduation day. The skills you develop can help build a lifelong career in this industry and will easily transfer to other professions. To help you prepare for a career in water treatment, the Association of Water Technologies (AWT) created the Student Education and Enhancement Development (SEED) Program.

 

What is water treatment?

Industrial facilities require water treatment of various mechanical systems to control scale, corrosion, and microbiological fouling. Each facility has specific needs — engineering, chemistry, equipment, analytical testing, and training — all of which must be balanced by the water technology provider. Successful water treatment programs help extend equipment life, maximize energy efficiency, and reduce downtime.

 

What skills do I need for this industry?

Are you curious, analytical, love problem solving, and have a technical degree such as chemistry, engineering, biology, or environmental science? If so, you already have the stepping stones for entering the water treatment field. Watch this video to learn more about what skills are needed in this field:

     

 

How can I apply science in this field?

Water technology is a practical application of chemistry and biology. The water that enters a boiler or cooling tower is rarely just water. It can contain various minerals and substances that can make a system run inefficiently and lose energy. It can also contain disease causing pathogens. Water treaters test for the presence of each of these materials and then apply chemistry to add or remove certain elements to make the system run smoothly and be safe for the public.

• Learn more about the systems water treaters and technicians serve
• Learn about the science of scaling

 

What are the educational requirements?

Service Technician
Requires minimum of a high school diploma, plus an interest in science and willingness to learn on the job.

Account Manager
A bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology is preferred.

Management
Bachelor's degrees from multiple areas of study can become involved in this side of the business.

Learn more about different career opportunities.

 

Is this a “green” career?

Yes! Water technology is all about creating efficient energy while keeping water safe. This means that you would help end-users reduce their energy consumption as well as their total electric bill.

 

How can the SEED program help me?

AWT's SEED program is FREE and provides you with access to resources that will help you prepare for a job in the water treatment industry.

• Complimentary registration to AWT's Annual Convention and Exposition.
• Members Only online access to resources such as white papers; the webinar archives; and The Analyst, AWT's quarterly magazine.
• Student rates for purchasing the print version of the Technical Reference and Training Manual (TR&TM).
• Member pricing on all AWT products and services.