New Jersey American Water recently launched its fifth annual Water UP! – Water Utility Pipeline – training program, now hosted at Essex County College (ECC) in partnership with the company’s Short Hills Operations Center.
The 10-week workforce development initiative is designed to prepare trainees for careers in the water utility industry through classroom instruction, field training and professional development.
This year’s program began on Sept. 29 and runs through Dec. 3, introducing 13 residents from Newark, Irvington, Belleville, Bloomfield, West Orange, Union and Plainfield, who were selected through an application and interview process, to a wide range of skill sets. The curriculum is designed to help participants identify their interests and strengths while preparing them for future opportunities in the water and wastewater industry.
Classroom instruction focuses on essential technical, administrative and professional skills that support long-term career development. A key component of the program is earning an OSHA 30 certification, which reinforces safety awareness and workplace readiness.
In addition to classroom learning at Essex County College, participants also engage in hands-on training at New Jersey American Water facilities and observe operations at active sites for practical exposure.
“Water UP! is more than a training program — it’s a launchpad for lifelong careers in water,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “We’re proud to partner with Essex County College to offer this opportunity to local residents. Together, we’re training the skilled hands needed to continue delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable drinking water to our customers, while building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”
When completing the Water UP! program, graduates will receive:
- Technical elective college credits from Essex County College
- A stipend
- Career fair access with recruiters from New Jersey American Water and industry partners
- Job readiness for roles such as:
- Operations specialist
- Utility mechanic
- Water quality and environmental compliance technician
- Customer service representative
“This program is a powerful example of how education and industry can work together to create real opportunity,” said Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, president of Essex County College. “We’re proud to help our students gain the skills and confidence to succeed in such a high-demand field. Water UP! gives Essex County residents the tools to thrive in the water industry.”
