Marking its five-year milestone, Water UP!—New Jersey American Water’s signature workforce development program—has returned to Camden to cultivate the state’s next generation of utility and infrastructure professionals.
Launched in Camden half a decade ago, the paid 10-week program is designed to bridge talent gaps in an essential industry while opening doors to long-term economic mobility for local residents.
As critical infrastructure sectors face mounting demands for skilled labor, Water UP! introduces participants to careers they might not have previously considered. Throughout the 10-week curriculum, participants receive:
- Comprehensive professional development
- Industry exposure and mentorship
- Hands-on learning experiences
- OSHA 30 certification upon completion
Graduates explore a wide array of career paths critical to maintaining safe, reliable water and wastewater systems, including utility mechanics, production mechanics, operations specialists, water quality and environmental compliance technicians, and customer service representatives.
The return to Camden reinforces a successful ongoing partnership with Hopeworks, a local organization focused on youth career training and economic mobility.
“Water UP! is about opening doors,” Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks, said. “Many participants come into the program without realizing the breadth of opportunities available within the utility sector. By connecting talent with training, mentorship and industry exposure, we’re helping individuals build careers while strengthening the workforce our communities depend on.”
The program’s real-world impact is reflected in alumni like Myles Jefferson, a 2023 Water UP! participant. After completing the program, Jefferson built initial experience with the Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority before securing a position as a utility mechanic with PSE&G.
“Water UP! helped me understand the range of careers available in the utility industry and gave me a clearer path forward,” Jefferson shared. “The experience opened doors, helped me build connections and gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities in a field that supports communities every day.”
Over the past five years, Water UP! has successfully equipped more than 50 participants with the skills, industry credentials, and professional networks needed to thrive in the utility sector.
Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water, emphasized the broader regional importance of the initiative:
“The future of the water industry depends on attracting and developing talented individuals from the communities we serve. Water UP! shows what can happen when workforce development organizations, community partners and industry leaders work together to create pathways to opportunity.”
