Camden-based New Jersey American Water officially launched its fourth annual Water UP! — Water Utility Pipeline — training program, a paid, nine-week workforce development program for adults, in partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey.
The training program, which began March 25 and runs through May 30, will equip participants with hands-on water utility and essential business training necessary to join the water and wastewater utility industry upon graduation.
Water UP! aims to help adults from traditionally underserved areas in the company’s footprint pave their career path in the water utility industry by exposing them to a multitude of skill sets, including utility-specific training, customer service training, key administrative skills and OSHA 30 certification.
“The sustainability and longevity of the water utility industry is only as good as its employees, which is why it is so important that we continue training programs like Water UP! to invest in a new generation of talent,” Mark McDonough, president, New Jersey American Water, said. “Each year, the Water UP! program brings together qualified and diverse professionals that will carry out a commitment to providing high-quality, reliable water and wastewater service with the tools to excel in a lifelong career.”
The 2024 Water UP! class includes 10 residents of Egg Harbor City, Pleasantville, Galloway Township and Atlantic City who were selected by New Jersey American Water and Rowan College of South Jersey through an application and interview process.
Throughout the nine-week course based at New Jersey American Water’s recently acquired Egg Harbor City Water Treatment Facility, the group will experience classroom-based lessons administered by Rowan College of South Jersey and hands-on field training facilitated by New Jersey American Water. They also will earn their OSHA 30 certification and travel to Delran for a tour of the company’s Delaware River Regional Water Treatment Facility to learn about its state-of-the-art water treatment processes and the company’s research laboratory.
Additionally, the Water UP! participants will tour the Atlantic County Utilities Authority’s wastewater treatment plant and environmental park to learn about wastewater treatment and renewable energy, respectively.
Upon completion of the Water UP! program, participants will receive six college technical elective credits from Rowan College of South Jersey. They will also be uniquely qualified for entry-level positions in the water industry, such as utility mechanic, operations specialist, customer service representative or water quality technician.
