The West Michigan Water Career Program introduces an innovative internship model designed to address the water sector’s critical workforce challenges: increasing retirements, talent shortages, and the need for greater workforce diversity. This 12-month, paid internship combines on-the-job training, structured mentorship, peer cohort support, and online education to prepare participants for licensing exams in water and wastewater operations. Developed with $1.5 million in EPA workforce development funding, the program demonstrates how municipalities can build sustainable talent pipelines and engage future professionals. This model integrates mentorship, education, and hands-on experience to equip participants with both technical skills and professional readiness. Mentors provide industry insights and career guidance, while partnerships with local colleges offer a clear path to licensing. Interns balance coursework with flexible schedules, and ongoing professional development ensures they are prepared for long-term careers in public works. In this session, we will share the core elements of this internship model, including best practices for aligning training with public works needs, methods for scaling similar programs, and strategies for building effective collaborations across institutions. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to apply this framework in their municipalities and develop the next generation of skilled water professionals. “After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Integrate mentorship, on-the-job training, and partnerships with local colleges to equip them with critical technical skills and professional readiness for careers in public works.
• Implement innovative and effective continuous professional development opportunities for interns, ensuring they remain competitive and well-prepared for long-term careers in public works, adapting to evolving industry standards and practices.
• Develop strategies to scale similar programs and foster effective collaborations across institutions, ensuring training aligns with public works needs and supports the growth of the next generation of skilled water professionals.”
Contributor/Source
Haley Kozal-W.K. Kellogg Empower Program Manager, Hillary Caron-Principal Consultant & Founder
Claim CEUs
Submit this form to claim CEUs.
Related Resources
Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
Public Works Radio Podcast
Public Works Radio is the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), bringing the stories behind our communities to life. This podcast shines a spotlight on the people and projects that keep our cities running—humanizing the work and the professionals who make it happen. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
Virtual Program
Virtual programs are live, interactive educational programs led by top experts in the field who provide timely information or address trending topics within an area. Programs often conclude with an open forum for Q&A.