At their regular Board of Directors meeting on September 1, 2021 the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) voted to participate and support the Inland Empire Water Wastewater (IEWorks) Apprenticeship Pathways Collaborative. This new partnership intends to enhance inclusion and equal opportunities in the workforce.
Under the partnership, signatory agencies pledge to offer internship opportunities, develop, post, and consider candidates for available apprenticeship and other positions and offer volunteer opportunities to gain necessary hands-on experience for certifications. EMWD intends to host paid jobs for Youth Ecology Corps workers, at-risk youth from under-served communities in EMWD's service area.
In addition, EMWD plans to support career awareness activities through outreach in career fairs, job shadow experiences, the "Day in the Life" program, and participation in Educational Advisory Boards, and partnering with Mt. San Jacinto College’s Water Technology Program.
“We are excited to partner with local water and wastewater agencies to bring awareness to the incredible career opportunities offered in this industry,” stated EMWD Board President Phil Paule. “This partnership bridges our strategic priorities of workforce excellence, maintaining positive community relations, and promoting improved service to our stakeholders.”
According to the Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, IEWorks is projected to lose 835 highly skilled water and wastewater employees by 2023 due to retirements. EMWD estimates that 36-percent of their workforce is eligible to retire as of 2021.
“As we look ahead, advancing our mission of delivering value to EMWD customers and the communities we service includes diversifying the talent pool of qualified candidates through these strategic partnerships,” said Board President Paule.
“IEWorks is committed to creating equitable pathways throughout the Inland Empire and welcomes EMWD as a regional partner,” shared IEWorks Co-Founder and Western Municipal Water District Vice President Gracie Torres.
Participants interested or wishing to learn more can visit ieworks.org and sign-up to receive the latest updates.
SOURCE: Inland Empire Works
