A strong water workforce is critical to Vermont's future. The increased housing and economic development the state is pursuing can't happen if adequate drinking water and wastewater systems aren't in place. At the same time, this infrastructure must be built and operated in a way that ensures it remains operational in the face of extreme weather events, and that respects and preserve Vermont's natural environment. 

But at the same time that our water infrastructure needs to strengthen and expand, the workforce behind it all is shrinking. Many of these professionals are retiring in the coming years, and fewer people are entering the industry to fill their roles.

There is a significant need to attract young people to, and train them for, careers in this critical sector.

Project partners are creating targeted workforce development initiatives to meet this need. They will be conducting research to better understand workforce challenges specific to Vermont. While there have been national studies, little Vermont-specific data are available. This research will help target solutions to increase the water workforce in Vermont.

At the same time, the partners are taking immediate steps to interest young people in these careers. UVM faculty are incorporating water resources content into their classes so that students can understand the issues better and gain a clear understanding of how these careers might connect to their academic and professional interests. This applies to students from a wide range of academic pursuits, including engineering, environmental sciences, environmental studies, geosciences, geography, biology, chemistry, forestry, and business. 

They are also sponsoring field trips for UVM students to visit water treatment facilities, where they can experience the possibilities firsthand, and connect with professionals in the field.

This project leverages the academic resources of UVM’s Water Resources Institute, and the industry expertise of the Vermont Rural Water Association. Given the multidisciplinary opportunities represented in these efforts, the project is also tapping experts in UVM's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.