Hudson County Community College graduated the first cohort for their new Water Workforce Utility Project last month, officials said today.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the student group brought together for this Water Workforce Pilot Project,” Michael Assante, the Bayonne project manager of Municipal Water Contract Operations for Veolia North America, said in a statement.
“It was refreshing and a little surprising to the breadth of interest and experience that the students brought to the table, and I’m very excited for the long-term potential of working with this program to establish a deep pipeline of water professionals. It has been a pleasure working with Hudson County Community College and Jersey Water Works.”
He was also a course instructor for the first cohort , which was originally conceived by Jersey Water Works members to address industry needs, received overwhelming support from advocates, educators, the financial sector, and water companies.
Additionally, it was made possible by the collaboration of Bank of America, New Jersey Future, Veolia, NJ Water Association, and NJ Utility Association.
Specifically, the Bank of America provided seed funding for the initiative, while Hudson County Community College recruited applicants, delivered the curriculum, and assisted in placing graduates.
“We are thrilled to see the first cohort graduate from the Water Workforce Pilot Project,” added Bank of America New Jersey President Alberto Garofalo.
“Not only do the participants have a bright future ahead thanks to the eight-week training program, but so does New Jersey’s water industry as we continue to build a skilled workforce through transformational partnerships like this one.”
Veolia, a global water company, provided instructors for water-specific courses. Veolia also welcomed the cohort for a tour at the Oak Street Facility in Bayonne.
NJ Utility Association and NJ Water Association also played an important role in facilitating information sessions.
Of the 15 students who were part of the program, 14 successfully completed it.
“It was a very informative course. I definitely learned a lot about where water comes from and where it goes after it is used,” added Hugo Iglesias Gonzalez, a recent graduate.
“In addition, all the work that goes on behind the scenes- there is a great amount of people involved who are not seen and should get a lot of credit for their work and dedication. I am glad there are programs and opportunities like this one.”
The collaborative effort has demonstrated the importance of partnerships between the private sector, educational institutions, and the government in addressing employment needs and creating opportunities for individuals.
