New Jersey American Water and Essex County College immerse residents in the water utility industry through hands-on training, classroom instruction, and real-world experience

New Jersey American Water recently launched its fifth annual Water UP! – Water Utility Pipeline – training program, now hosted at Essex County College (ECC) in partnership with the company’s Short Hills Operations Center. This 10-week workforce development initiative is designed to prepare trainees for careers in the water utility industry through classroom instruction, field training, and professional development.

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Participants of the 2025 Water UP! class pose on the first day of training with New Jersey American Water President Mark McDonough (center) and Doreene Bennett (far right), workforce development program manager.

Learn more about New Jersey American Water’s workforce development programs: www.newjerseyamwater.com/waterup.

This year’s program runs from Sept. 29 through Dec. 3, 2025, introducing 13 residents from Newark, Irvington, Belleville, Bloomfield, West Orange, Union, and Plainfield— selected through an application and interview process—to a wide range of skill sets. The curriculum is designed to help participants identify their interests and strengths while preparing them for future opportunities in the water and wastewater industry. Classroom instruction focuses on essential technical, administrative, and professional skills that support long-term career development. A key component of the program is earning an OSHA 30 certification, which reinforces safety awareness and workplace readiness. In addition to classroom learning at Essex County College, participants also engage in hands-on training at New Jersey American Water facilities and observe operations at active sites for practical exposure.

“Water UP! is more than a training program—it’s a launchpad for lifelong careers in water,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “We’re proud to partner with Essex County College to offer this opportunity to local residents. Together, we’re training the skilled hands needed to continue delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable drinking water to our customers, while building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”

Upon completion of the Water UP! program, graduates will receive:

• Technical elective college credits from Essex County College
• A stipend
• Career fair access with recruiters from New Jersey American Water and industry partners
• Job readiness for roles such as:
  • Operations Specialist
  • Utility Mechanic
  • Water Quality and Environmental Compliance Technician
  • Customer Service Representative

“This program is a powerful example of how education and industry can work together to create real opportunity,” said Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, president of Essex County College. “We’re proud to help our students gain the skills and confidence to succeed in such a high-demand field. Water UP! gives Essex County residents the tools to thrive in the water industry.”

Since its inception in 2021, Water UP! has trained more than 40 participants across Camden, Union, Atlantic, and Essex counties. Many graduates have gone on to secure employment in the utility and construction sectors.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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“This program is a powerful example of how education and industry can work together to create real opportunity,” said Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, president of Essex County College