Community partnerships drive MMSD’s water workforce development pipeline

Anyone who works in water has heard of the “silver tsunami” — the coming wave of retirements in the water industry.

While that challenge is reason enough for utilities to invest in workforce development, the motivation at Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District extends beyond filling vacancies.

“At MMSD, we view workforce development as an investment in both our community and our mission,” said Executive Director Kevin Shafer. “Protecting water quality and maintaining critical infrastructure requires a skilled workforce, but it also requires creating opportunities for local residents to participate in that work. When we invest in people, we’re investing in the long-term resilience of our region.”

MMSD wanted to make sure residents benefit not just from the utility’s wastewater management, but also from the stable, family-supporting jobs it creates. As it delves deeper into workforce development, it has broadened its programming in partnership with local community groups. Based on community demand, it is sharing the career opportunities available in water with younger audiences and offering more in-depth experiences for those who want them.

Learn more about MMSD’s workforce development efforts and specific examples in this article for WaterWorld Magazine, written by The Water Council communications director Stacy Vogel Davis.