New Jersey American Water's Graduates Empowering the Future Workforce of Water Utilities
On December 3, 2025, a vibrant atmosphere enveloped Essex County College as graduates of New Jersey American Water's fifth annual Water Utility Pipeline (Water UP!) program celebrated their achievements. This year, 11 individuals from communities including Newark, Irvington, and Plainfield received their certificates, symbolizing their dedication to entering the water utility workforce.
Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water, noted the high stakes of this program, stating, "Water UP! is launching these graduates into meaningful careers while helping to ensure the future of safe, reliable water for our communities." He emphasized that the program is not merely about workforce development; it is vital to public health and ensuring robust infrastructure for years to come. Established as a response to growing demands in the water sector, Water UP! aims to cultivate potential workers who can contribute effectively and sustainably.
The graduation event attracted various stakeholders, including New Jersey American Water executives, members of the Essex County College leadership, local elected officials, and supportive family members and friends. The program consists of a comprehensive 10-week initiative that combines classroom instruction with practical field experience. Participants not only acquired OSHA 30 certification but also earned college credits in relevant technical electives, thereby enhancing their readiness for entry-level positions in operations, mechanics, water quality, and customer service roles.
Tiffany Muhammad, a 2025 graduate, shared her reflections on the program, stating, "Initially, I joined to learn new skills and explore potential job paths. However, I didn't anticipate how significantly this experience would impact my confidence and understanding of the water industry." Her comments wholeheartedly convey the transformational impact of the Water UP! program, which goes beyond teaching technical skills—it emphasizes service, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. "The program illustrated that the water industry is about more than infrastructure; it's about supporting our communities and taking responsibility for our natural resources. Thanks to Water UP!, I feel empowered to contribute to this essential industry."
Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, president of Essex County College, celebrated the resilience of the graduates. He asserted, "Our vision at Essex County College is to change lives, and initiatives like Water UP! allow us to fulfill that mission. You are now representatives of both our institution and New Jersey American Water, and we expect you to excel. We are committed to expanding this program further, creating even richer opportunities for future cohorts."
A significant aspect of the graduates' training involved hands-on learning at the Short Hills Operations Center of New Jersey American Water. Here, they engaged in job rotations, gaining first-hand experience in utility mechanical roles and field service representative tasks. This immersive training enabled participants to tackle real-world challenges, such as repairing water mains and handling service calls, while under the watchful guidance of seasoned professionals. The practical experience not only honed their technical skills but also bolstered their confidence in performing essential duties within a water utility framework.
Community leaders praised the program's influence on workforce development. "I commend New Jersey American Water for its commitment to the growth of this program over five cohorts and for securing its future," noted Karen S. Gaylord, executive director of the Newark Workforce Development Board. "The need for talented individuals in this sector cannot be overstated. The decisions made here will form the foundation for fruitful careers, and I encourage you to invest in your skills continuously. Safe drinking water is essential globally, and career opportunities within this field are crucial for preserving our natural resources and infrastructure."
Since its inception in 2021, the Water UP! initiative has trained over 40 residents across Camden, Union, Atlantic, and Essex counties. Many alumni have successfully secured positions within utilities and construction sectors. Graduates were recently introduced to career opportunities through a dedicated job fair featuring recruiters from New Jersey American Water and select industry partners, further solidifying their path into the workforce.
For those interested in learning more about the workforce development opportunities offered by New Jersey American Water, additional information is available at www.newjerseyamwater.com/waterup. In addition, New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), stands as the largest regulated water utility provider in the state, serving approximately 2.9 million residents with safe, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services. For further details, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com or follow the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water, noted the high stakes of this program, stating, "Water UP! is launching these graduates into meaningful careers while helping to ensure the future of safe, reliable water for our communities." He emphasized that the program is not merely about workforce development; it is vital to public health and ensuring robust infrastructure for years to come. Established as a response to growing demands in the water sector, Water UP! aims to cultivate potential workers who can contribute effectively and sustainably.
The graduation event attracted various stakeholders, including New Jersey American Water executives, members of the Essex County College leadership, local elected officials, and supportive family members and friends. The program consists of a comprehensive 10-week initiative that combines classroom instruction with practical field experience. Participants not only acquired OSHA 30 certification but also earned college credits in relevant technical electives, thereby enhancing their readiness for entry-level positions in operations, mechanics, water quality, and customer service roles.
Tiffany Muhammad, a 2025 graduate, shared her reflections on the program, stating, "Initially, I joined to learn new skills and explore potential job paths. However, I didn't anticipate how significantly this experience would impact my confidence and understanding of the water industry." Her comments wholeheartedly convey the transformational impact of the Water UP! program, which goes beyond teaching technical skills—it emphasizes service, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. "The program illustrated that the water industry is about more than infrastructure; it's about supporting our communities and taking responsibility for our natural resources. Thanks to Water UP!, I feel empowered to contribute to this essential industry."
Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, president of Essex County College, celebrated the resilience of the graduates. He asserted, "Our vision at Essex County College is to change lives, and initiatives like Water UP! allow us to fulfill that mission. You are now representatives of both our institution and New Jersey American Water, and we expect you to excel. We are committed to expanding this program further, creating even richer opportunities for future cohorts."
A significant aspect of the graduates' training involved hands-on learning at the Short Hills Operations Center of New Jersey American Water. Here, they engaged in job rotations, gaining first-hand experience in utility mechanical roles and field service representative tasks. This immersive training enabled participants to tackle real-world challenges, such as repairing water mains and handling service calls, while under the watchful guidance of seasoned professionals. The practical experience not only honed their technical skills but also bolstered their confidence in performing essential duties within a water utility framework.
Community leaders praised the program's influence on workforce development. "I commend New Jersey American Water for its commitment to the growth of this program over five cohorts and for securing its future," noted Karen S. Gaylord, executive director of the Newark Workforce Development Board. "The need for talented individuals in this sector cannot be overstated. The decisions made here will form the foundation for fruitful careers, and I encourage you to invest in your skills continuously. Safe drinking water is essential globally, and career opportunities within this field are crucial for preserving our natural resources and infrastructure."
Since its inception in 2021, the Water UP! initiative has trained over 40 residents across Camden, Union, Atlantic, and Essex counties. Many alumni have successfully secured positions within utilities and construction sectors. Graduates were recently introduced to career opportunities through a dedicated job fair featuring recruiters from New Jersey American Water and select industry partners, further solidifying their path into the workforce.
For those interested in learning more about the workforce development opportunities offered by New Jersey American Water, additional information is available at www.newjerseyamwater.com/waterup. In addition, New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), stands as the largest regulated water utility provider in the state, serving approximately 2.9 million residents with safe, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services. For further details, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com or follow the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Topics General Business）
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