When Your Workforce Plan Needs Work
A Midwestern utility dramatically improved its recruitment and retention by creating career progression pathways. Read the full story in November 2024 WE&T.
Be Pro, Be Proud as a Water Professional
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. …
AWWA Water Champion – Sandy Smith, Cleveland, Georgia
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 …
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Breaking Down Silos
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.
AWWA embraces water sector leadership in new 2030 Strategic Plan
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 …
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What Every Operator Needs to Know About Workforce Development
WE&T‘s May 2024 Operator Essentials column highlights what every operator should know about workforce development. Read more.
AWWA Water Champion – Kouao-Eric Ekoue, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Kouao-Eric Ekoue is superintendent of New Brunswick Water Utility and received the 2024 Harold V. Florence, Jr., Meritorious Operator Award presented by the AWWA New Jersey Section. Learn more about this water champion by clicking here.
Tapping the Talent Pipeline: Developing the next generation of leaders in your organization
Across the United States, water and wastewater utilities are challenged with managing aging infrastructure, tight budgets, and understaffing — not to mention rising retirements and a shrinking talent pool. Many organizations believe they lack the resources to do succession planning or focus on workforce development, but it can be done. This article looks at two …
AWWA designates board seat to include next generation of leaders
AWWA’s board includes four directors at large (DAL). At the board’s January 2024 meeting, members approved a proposed change to the AWWA bylaws to designate one DAL position for an active AWWA member age 35 or younger. Another DAL position is designated for a service provider volunteer, and the other two do not have any …
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State of the Water Industry 2024 Released
Aging water infrastructure and the ability to secure financing for capital improvements continue to be among the top challenges that North American water systems grapple with, according to the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) newly-released 2024 State of the Water Industry (SOTWI) report. Follow the link to download your copy of the State of the Water …
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