The median age of water sector employees is 48—six years above the national median employee age. Estimates place the loss of current utility employees at 30–50 percent within the next 10 years, and millennials will make up 50 percent of the workforce by the year 2020. However, the challenges facing the water sector reflect larger …
It is no secret that the water sector is grappling with significant workforce challenges. Per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately one-third of U.S. water workers are eligible to retire within the next decade. Coupled with the rapid advancement of technologies in the sector, there is an urgent need to attract, train, and retain specialists …
Continue reading “Holding Fast Against the ‘Silver Tsunami’”
Utilities across the country are successfully developing and implementing workforce flexibility and skill-based compensation programs that are key to workplace innovation. Workforce flexibility gives employees the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, while skill-based compensation provides the motivation and reward for those new skills. This article looks at the benefits of each and how …
Continue reading “Rejuvenate Your Workforce, Enhance Productivity”
Three divisions; six countries; 56 teams; 37 years. Many numbers can measure the magnitude of Operations Challenge, billed as the water sector’s premier skills competition. But for more than 300 contenders this year, a single number took precedence over any other: first place. Read the full coverage in December Water Environment & Technology.
A Midwestern utility dramatically improved its recruitment and retention by creating career progression pathways. Read the full story in November 2024 WE&T.
Historically, the prevailing belief has been that “you must go to college to get a good job.” Although this was true for previous generations, access to college has become more attainable today, leading to less interest and a deficit in the skilled trades workforce. Our society requires a balance between college education and skilled trades. …
Sandy Smith, national manager of sales, service, testing and business development for Burnett, Inc., was recognized at ACE24 for his “Outstanding Service to AWWA.” He has been an influential volunteer with AWWA and the Georgia Section, including as GAWWA Section Chair and member of the AWWA Board of Directors, the Water Utility Council, and current …
Continue reading “AWWA Water Champion – Sandy Smith, Cleveland, Georgia”
Siloed organizations, characterized by isolated departments and fragmented workflows, are an important topic in workplace management. This is because a siloed organization can negatively affect its customers, stakeholders, and employees. Read more in August 2024 WE&T.
The new 2030 Strategic Plan, which will be in effect through the end of 2029, is the guiding document for AWWA and its operations. It defines the Association’s vision, mission and core principles, while laying out strategic goals and objectives. It was approved by AWWA’s Board of Directors during its June meeting at the 2024 Annual …
Continue reading “AWWA embraces water sector leadership in new 2030 Strategic Plan”
WE&T‘s May 2024 Operator Essentials column highlights what every operator should know about workforce development. Read more.