Qualifying of manpower for the desalination industry

Rapid expansion and growth expected to occur in the desalination industry i n the next two decades necessitates preplanning of a comprehensive program for education, research, and training. The proposed education programs incl ude an engineering subprogram in desalination, a two-year technical degree in desalination technology, graduate programs, and continuing and cooperati ve education. The graduate education programs include research studies lead ing to a one-year diploma in desalination as well as MSc and PhD degrees in desalination research. The continuing education courses include introducto ry to more advanced level topics. Such classes would provide the general pu blic with a realistic view of the industry, needs for water conservation, e nvironmental impact, and the strategic importance of the desalination indus try. The proposed cooperative engineering studies would be supported in par t by the desalination industry. Field training programs are proposed for en try-level and practicing engineers and technicians. Desalination research c enters should be established to address design and operational problems of the industry and to develop novel and more efficient desalination systems.