THE DIVISIONS’ DIGEST
By supporting the industry in this transition, the federal government can help us avoid unnecessary friction, inefficiencies and derailments to progress. And with better conditions, we can make the industry a more desirable place to work—helping solve our third critical problem. Investing in Talent As more and more US workers reach retirement, fewer young professionals are taking up the mantle to replace them. This leaves industries across the country facing the same problem: a critical shortage of skilled workers. While detrimental to any industry, the shortage is especially problematic for water infrastructure, which plays a vital role in the stability of our neighborhoods, towns and cities. But why are so few entering the waterworks? It depends who you ask. Part of it may be an awareness problem where graduates miss out on entry simply because they don’t know it’s a viable path. On the other hand, we know access to training can be difficult, and that hurdle can make other career options more attractive or feasible. Whatever the cause, the fact remains: our goals for water infrastructure cannot be met unless we address the workforce gap soon.
in the House that would significantly help with workforce development. For example, one bill would expand the use of Pell grants for qualified short-term credential and training programs. Meanwhile another would increase funding to support career and technical education programs. Solutions like these will take time to produce results. So our team asked representatives for their assistance moving the bills forward during the spring summit, which was met with support and open mindedness. Now, we wait and see what comes to fruition. Looking Forward with Solutions As experts in this field, we’ve always taken it upon ourselves to educate others on what is necessary for water systems, maintenance operations and waterworks business networks to thrive. And although we may not have left D.C. with definitive answers, our team feels confident that our voices—along with those from waterworks leaders nationwide—were heard clearly and understood. If you’re part of the waterworks community and would like to help shape the future of our work, learn more about WASDA and see if membership is right for you or your organization.
Fortunately, several important pieces of WASDA- supported bipartisan legislation have been introduced
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