American Water has reinforced its commitment to building a robust future workforce through a comprehensive suite of training, education, and career development programs.
American Water is leveraging its national scale to provide mentorship and hands-on experience to individuals ranging from high school students to career-seeking adults.
American Water’s 2026 workforce development initiatives focus on several key stages of the professional journey:
- Flow Forward High School Summer Camp: Designed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, this multi-day experience introduces students to the water industry through skill-building workshops, resume and interview preparation, and direct networking with industry professionals. In 2026, the program is active across Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with a recent three-day session in Camden, N.J., helping local students explore diverse roles in operations, engineering, and finance.
- Future Wavemakers College Internship Program: This cornerstone initiative has welcomed 56 college interns nationwide for the 2026 season. The program pairs students with industry experts for mentorship and real-world projects, offering hands-on experience in areas such as engineering, finance, operations, and health and safety.
Pathways for adult learners and community impact
Beyond its youth-focused initiatives, American Water is creating direct pathways to employment for adults through specialized community partnerships:
- Water Utility Pipeline Program (Water UP!): New Jersey American Water’s signature workforce readiness program provides participants with hands-on learning, professional development, and industry-recognized safety training. The program is designed to help individuals from underserved communities gain the foundational skills and confidence required for entry-level utility roles.
- Hopeworks Partnership: In Camden, American Water continues its collaboration with the nonprofit Hopeworks on “train-to-hire” initiatives, focusing on specialized technical skills such as geographic information system (GIS) projects to create local employment opportunities.
To ensure its workforce remains prepared for the future, American Water has invested in state-of-the-art training facilities. These environments provide modern classroom space alongside real-world simulation areas, allowing both new hires and experienced employees to refine their technical skills.
“Providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services starts with attracting, developing and retaining talented individuals,” Lori Sutton, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at American Water said. “Through programs that support students, emerging young professionals and current employees, we’re continuing to build a strong workforce that will serve our customers and communities for generations to come.”
