Strengthening the Water Workforce via Internships and Pre-apprenticeship Programs: Insights and Resources

“These people [water and wastewater treatment workers] touch the health of every single person in the community… [and] are vital to the health and vibrancy of our schools, businesses, and everything that happens in our communities,” said Tonya Bronleewe, Director of Environmental Finance Center at Wichita State University, when she explained how she broaches the topic of water workforce with city council, board members, water utility staff, and young students.

On October 17, Jersey Water Works and Center for Syracuse University Sustainable Community Solutions & Environmental Finance Center (SU-EFC) hosted a webinar, “Imagine a Day Without the Water Workforce: Strengthening the Water Sector Pipeline through Entry-Level Opportunities,” which captivated 115 participants. Coinciding with the national ‘Imagine a Day Without Water’ day, this event addressed one of the most pressing challenges in the water sector—workforce development.

The hour-long session focused on strategies for creating and enhancing entry-level job opportunities, emphasizing the need for a well-prepared workforce to meet future demands. Presenters shared valuable insights on how utilities can develop or improve skill-based internship and pre-apprentice programs, ensuring a strong pipeline for upcoming water leaders.

Key objectives of the webinar included:

• Gaining practical insights into developing and enhancing entry-level opportunities in the water sector.
• Accessing resources and best practices for creating skills-based internship or apprenticeship programs that foster a talented and diverse workforce.
• Receiving actionable advice and real-world examples to build effective workforce development initiatives.

Session speakers included Andy Kricun of Moonshot Missions, who discussed the critical issues and impacts of the water workforce; Tonya Bronleewe of Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center, who provided guidance on starting utility-based internship programs; and University of Kansas student Adam Schnurr, who shared his personal journey, illustrating how the water internship he completed in 2022 has influenced his academic focus as a university student. 

Additionally, Jason Kiernan from Veolia North America presented on the Water Workforce Utility Program hosted by the Hudson County Community College initiative. This pilot program pulled together the expertise and support of advocates, educators, the financial sector, and water companies. Bank of America funded the pilot program in 2023 and 2024. Hudson County Community College recruited the applicants, delivered the curriculum, and supported the placement of graduates. Jason and his team from Veolia provided instruction and internships for some of the graduates in its New Jersey utilities. In 2024, Hudson County Community College received additional funding to enhance the program via the Department of Labor Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grant. This partnership underscores the importance of collaborative partners advancing workforce development.

In the background, Cristen Crew, Program Associate, SU-EFC, welcomed the participants, provided technical assistance, facilitated the Q&A section, and handled logistical support leading up to the event. 

The session recording is available here, and resources are listed below. 

• The Educator Resource Hub is your one-stop shop for water education curriculum, videos, information, tools, and more! The resources are organized by type, age group, and learning objective.
• WSU’s Work in Water Curriculum: This unique and adaptable program introduces students to the vital role water and wastewater systems play in their community. It allows students to explore water careers through real-world experiences and conversations with the people working to ensure their homes, schools, and local businesses have access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water and water recycling resources.

Focusing on these vital strategies and best practices can ensure a sustainable future for the water workforce, benefiting the industry and the communities it serves. Email info@jerseywaterworks.org to learn more about the JWW Water Workforce Task Force. The webinar fulfills one of the task force 2024 work plan items.