What's Happening?
A new training program at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, aims to address a critical workforce shortage in the water industry. The program, called the Fundamentals of Water Operations, is designed to introduce participants to various career paths
within the water operations sector, including plant operations, lab work, and engineering. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Project RUN, FLC@Work, the Four Corners Water Center, the City of Durango, and the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. The program is free and open to the community, with classes held every Thursday in May. It seeks to build a skilled workforce to replace the significant number of current operators nearing retirement.
Why It's Important?
The water industry is facing a nationwide workforce shortage, with a significant portion of its workforce eligible for retirement in the next decade. This shortage poses a risk to maintaining safe drinking water and environmental health. The training program in Durango is crucial as it aims to create a pipeline of skilled workers to fill these impending gaps. By providing free training and connecting participants with industry professionals, the program not only addresses local workforce needs but also contributes to national efforts to sustain water infrastructure. This initiative highlights the importance of proactive measures in workforce development to ensure the continued safety and reliability of water services.
