DENVER- CoBank is partnering with the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) to underwrite a program that will target and train the next generation of technical workers needed to ensure the future operation of critical water and wastewater systems in rural communities.
A $250,000 grant from CoBank will assist the NRWA with the creation of the WaterPro Apprenticeship Program designed to address the looming shortage of experienced personnel at water systems throughout rural America.
Though still in the early stages of development, the program will create a consistent, nationally recognized standard of training for water and wastewater professionals registered with the Department of Labor (DOL).
Development and roll-out of the program is expected to occur over the next two years.
In addition to increasing professional demands, utilities will soon be forced to replace many of their most experienced employees. Over the next decade, the water sector is expected to lose between 30 and 50 percent of the workforce to retirement.
Many of these employees have worked at the same utility for the majority of their careers, and they would depart with decades of valuable institutional knowledge. CoBank said this program will help ensure this valuable knowledge will be passed on to the next generation of water professionals.
Sam Wade, CEO of NRWA, said: "The WaterPro Apprenticeship Program will provide the critical resources needed to train a qualified workforce for the safe operation of rural water systems well into the future. CoBank has been a great partner in serving rural America with us; this underwriting is a testament to their commitment and will help us tremendously as we look to attract, train and retain the next generation of rural water and wastewater professionals."
Tom Halverson, CoBank's president and chief executive officer, added: "More than 80% of the nation's approximately 50,000 water systems serve populations of less than 10,000 people. These systems deliver a vital service to rural communities, and yet are having an increasingly difficult time finding the next generation of workers with the knowledge and expertise needed to fill technical roles. We are delighted to be partnering with the NRWA on the forefront of this initiative, and look forward to the benefits it will provide rural America."
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