Water Associations, DOL, EPA Release Competency Model
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have released the Water Sector Competency Model, which defines the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities, for prospective water professionals and encourages careers in the water sector.
The Water Sector Competency Model is designed to increase the pool of certified and experienced water sector professionals through a variety of training and career advancement solutions. “The Water Sector Competency Model is just what we need to attract the new generation of professionals to green jobs necessary for the sustainability of our water infrastructure,” said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), worked with AWWA, WEF, and EPA to guide and finalize the documentation required to showcase the water sector competency model as a resource for the workforce challenges facing high-growth industries. AWWA and WEF are committed to supporting the competency-based training and certification in the water sector to ensure experienced and certified water sector professionals are available to support public water systems and wastewater treatment plants in the future.
AWWA is supporting the initiative by engaging in a three-year research project that supports the improvement of the model. AWWA and WEF were both instrumental in the development of the Water Sector Competency Model. “The release of the Water Sector Competency Model represents an important moment in assuring the water sector has enough well-trained and committed professionals in the years ahead,” said AWWA President Craig Woolard.