Water Workforce Pilot Program Launches at Hudson County Community College

On Sep 11, 2023

Hudson County Community College will launch the New Jersey Water Workforce Development Initiative pilot program to educate, train, and place graduates into employment opportunities within the water sector. Collaborative partners, such as Bank of America, New Jersey Future, Veolia, New Jersey Water Association, New Jersey Utility Association, and members of Jersey Water Works, shared their expertise during the spring and summer months to plan the initiative. Together they hope to connect individuals to viable career opportunities in the water sector.

The program launches at a critical moment when the water sector in New Jersey and nationwide is exploring ways to increase the talent pool and create educational strategies to build career pathways in the water sector. Water agencies are looking to hire to replace existing employees, and to diversify their workforce. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “roughly one-third of the water sector workforce [is] eligible to retire in the next 10 years.” Over 500 municipal and private water utilities in New Jersey provide drinking water and wastewater management, and require well-trained, dedicated staff to provide essential services, thus providing participants ample opportunity to apply their skills and talents as members of the water workforce. 

On September 13, a cohort of 20 participants will begin their educational program and meet some of the people responsible for putting the program together. With the help of Bank of America, the participants can tap into the educational program at no cost and will earn a $1,000 stipend as part of their participation. This kickoff reception will feature remarks from key partners, and light refreshments to the initial cohort of students, and attendees. 

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