Career Brochures Available to Recruit the Next Generation of Industry Professionals by Municipal Water District of Orange County Sep 8, 2022 Member Submitted News As water and energy industry professionals brace for a wave of impending retirements, the Water Energy Education Alliance (WEEA or Alliance) continues to offer valuable resources to help recruit the next generation of skilled, prepared, and invested workers. Led and administered by the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), WEEA has utilized the award-winning talent of the MWDOC Public Affairs team to create two (2) electronic recruitment brochures for the water and energy sector. Water and energy providers, educators, school counselors, regional occupation program providers, and many others can use the brochures free of charge to support their recruitment efforts. In the last few years, water and energy providers have been examining their workforce needs to help them better prepare for the dreaded “Silver Tsunami,” a projected mass exodus of industry workers who are now eligible for retirement. These valued employees have spent their entire careers mastering their craft and will be taking decades of skill, knowledge, and certifications with them. In fact, it is estimated that 30-50% of current positions will be left vacant, and some agencies are already experiencing losses. The two (2) electronic brochures include language extensively researched to attract middle school to entry-level college students, emphasizing the workplace benefits that currently motivate them. The environment, sustainability, community connection, opportunities for continued learning, and work-life balance consistently hit the top of the list of career considerations. The overarching message of the brochures is simply, “Your search for a great career begins here!” The brochures are currently available for download electronically, and organizations who use them can add their logo alongside the WEEA logo to personalize them. They can be shared across social media, on websites, in newsletters, and with teachers, parents, and students via email. They can also be printed for use at community events, career fairs, and school functions. Residents, businesses, manufacturing, and agriculture all depend on their utilities to provide essential services like wastewater solutions and clean, safe, reliable water and electricity. The ability to attract new talent to high-quality, mission-driven careers in water and energy will be critical in overcoming looming workforce challenges and building a base of dedicated employees who can confidently take the reins. To access the brochures, visit www.mwdoc.com/weea. If you have questions or would prefer to receive a direct link, please get in touch with Tiffany Baca at tbaca@mwdoc.com or (714) 593-5013. WEEA is led and administered by MWDOC and sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Western Municipal Water District, and Eastern Municipal Water District. The Alliance receives active support from the California Environmental Education Foundation, California Community Colleges, and Big Picture Learning.
