Workforce Development

Background

Changes in the water sector happen fast. New regulations are constantly introduced. Compliance becomes more challenging as agencies try to implement new legislative directives. Issues persistent for decades due to underfunding are suddenly brought to the public's attention as an urgent issue by the media, despite years of calls to action and expressions of concern from industry professionals.

With this ever-changing landscape of issues, one problem that always seems to be pushed to the sidelines is workforce development and the need to replace an aging workforce. The numbers paint a distressing picture: an estimated one-third of the water workforce becomes eligible to retire in the next ten years, and there are simply not enough young people entering the workforce to replace them. This growing problem has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and early retirements.

Additionally, as the technologies used in the water sector change and become more advanced, there is a need to train existing water specialists and hire those with specialized technical skills. Maintaining existing talent and satisfying employees’ needs for a career that meets their values and life vision can be equally difficult in a competitive job market. As such, retaining employees has been a constant struggle for utilities.

MCWRS Advocacy and Resources

The 12th Annual Water Resources Strategies Symposium focused on these workforce challenges. A panel of experts tackled this pressing issue using their own experiences. Our keynote speaker, Bethany A. Card, then Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), discussed the organization’s internship program as well as X-Cel, a Boston area program that supports underserved youth in exam preparation curriculum.

Members can access a recording of this Symposium by contacting info@mcwrs.org.