The Oklahoma Rural Water Association hosted a Workforce Impact Partnership Grant (IPG) career convening meeting in Norman, Okla., bringing educators, water utilities, and industry leaders together to discuss career discovery and career exploration for high school students.
“The water and wastewater industry is facing an aging workforce,” said ORWA CEO, Jimmy Seago. “Trade programs are more important than ever, and through our apprenticeship program, we have the ability to provide the training, education and skills needed for students to succeed and then be placed in a system with a high-quality, fulfilling career once completed.”
Representatives from ORWA, Mid-America Career Technology Center, Moore Norman Technology Center, Hughes County Rural Water District #6 and Chart Consulting discussed the needs, concerns and future of the water and wastewater industry as well as the need for skilled, trained labor.
The next career convening meeting is scheduled September 19, 2023 in Idabel, Okla. The career exploration event was funded thanks to a grant from the Oklahoma Workforce Development. For additional details contact ORWA Apprenticeship Manager, Sandra Stevenson at sstevenson@orwa.org.
For more information on the ORWA Apprenticeship Program, visit orwa.org/apprentice-program/
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The Oklahoma Rural Water Association was formed in 1970 and was the first of its kind, giving a voice for rural water systems and districts across the state. Today, ORWA represents more than 550 water and wastewater utilities, providing management solutions, training opportunities, serves as their legislative voice, and provides technical assistance to its membership. The ORWA works to meet the needs of its members, always working to provide the best and safest water supply to its customers. Learn more about ORWA at orwa.org.
