NRWA Showcases Apprenticeship Program to Senate Leaders

On September 24, the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) hosted senior staff from the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee at the Berkeley County Public Service Water District in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The visit highlighted the nationwide shortage of water and wastewater operators and the critical need for a pipeline of skilled workers to sustain federal water policy priorities.

The discussion underscored how workforce capacity is central to every aspect of federal water mandates including regulatory compliance, infrastructure investment, PFAS treatment, Lead and Copper Rule implementation, disaster preparedness, emergency response, and cybersecurity resilience.

At the center of the showcase was NRWA's Registered Apprenticeship Program, the first nationally recognized, federally sanctioned identifiable career path for water and wastewater utility operators. Active in 36 states with more than 1,000 apprentices enrolled or graduated, this initiative is proving to be the single most effective tool for attracting, training, and retaining the next generation of water operators. With over half of today's workforce projected to retire within the next decade, these apprenticeships ensure safe, reliable water service, protect billions in federal infrastructure investments, and sustain the economic vitality of small and rural communities.

Showcase participants.NRWA

"Hearing authentic stories from both current and graduated apprentices reminded us that once you succeed in this program, the sky's the limit," said Michael Preston, NRWA Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. "This is exactly what Congress intended when it prioritized Registered Apprenticeships in the water sector - a strategic investment that builds a skilled, critical workforce and delivers sustainable results for rural America and the entire country."

The water sector workforce is on the frontline of public health protection, economic development, and local job creation. Continued federal investment in water industry Registered Apprenticeships, training and technical assistance, and EPA's State Revolving Funds is vital to modernize infrastructure and protect the environment and the public's water supply. NRWA is extremely grateful for Chairman Capito of West Virginia's unwavering support for small town America and whose leadership ensures the water sector has the resources necessary to sustain these essential public services every second of every day.