A Glimpse into the Future Water Association Emerging Talent Group

By Cassia Pickard – Graduate Water Consultant, Arup and Chair of the Emerging Talents working group

As the proud chair of the Future Water Association’s Emerging Talent Group, I am thrilled to share insights into the vibrant community we are building and the exciting journey that lies ahead.

The Essence of the Emerging Talent Group

The Emerging Talent Group is a dynamic platform within the Future Water Association dedicated to nurturing and empowering the industry’s rising stars. Comprising young professionals and fresh minds with a shared enthusiasm for water-related challenges, our group serves as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and, most importantly, a commitment to taking action.

Our Mission and Goals

At the heart of our mission is a collective passion to take action. We recognize the critical role water plays in our lives and acknowledge the challenges the industry faces. The primary goal of our Emerging Talent Group is to harness the energy and creativity of our members to contribute meaningfully to the water sector.

Purposeful Discussions and Action Plans

Our recent working group meeting was an inspiring deep dive into our industry’s purpose. Engaging in thoughtful discussions, we explored ways to make a tangible impact. In summary, the meeting addressed a wide range of topics spanning business strategy, people and skills development, challenges in public perception, motivation factors, the integration of technology, and the importance of education—emerging as our main theme in shaping the future of the water industry.

Advancing through Education

At the core of our mission lies a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education. In essence, educating the general public, and particularly children, about the importance of the water industry is an investment in building a conscientious and actively engaged society that values, protects, and sustains this vital resource for generations to come. The focus on STEM outreach and the role of ambassadors in educating and inspiring future talent in the water industry were underscored.

We recognize that education within the water industry is also key to overcoming challenges. Our overarching goal is to cultivate a culture of continuous learning, empowering our members with the skills and insights needed to propel positive change.

Looking Forward: The Next Steps in 2024

We recognize that ideas alone won’t bring about the change we envision. Thus, as we embrace the momentum gained from our purpose-driven discussions, our upcoming working group meeting will focus on translating ideas into action. This plan will serve as a roadmap, guiding us towards the tangible outcomes we aspire to achieve with an emphasis on advancing education surrounding water.

As we eagerly anticipate what lies ahead, I am honoured to work with individuals who bring such enthusiasm to the water industry. The possibilities are boundless, and I’m excited about the educational initiatives we’ll undertake in 2024. Join us on this journey, and let’s shape the future of water together!