Orange County Utilities’ H2O Pipeline Classroom to Career Program

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

In 2022, Orange County Utilities launched its H2O Pipeline Classroom to Career Program. As the retirement rate outpaces the recruitment rate in the water and wastewater management fields, municipal utilities face a great challenge in finding and developing skilled workers to maintain essential services. Orange County Utilities decided to partner with local schools and agencies to create a pathway for high school students to gain the skills and experience they need to become water or wastewater operators directly upon graduation. This program not only answered a need in the utilities industry but also created a career opportunity for youth who were not college-bound. The year-long program features classroom instruction, hands-on training, and field trips while preparing students to achieve certification through California State University, Sacramento. Upon successful completion of the program, participants can start a paid apprenticeship with Orange County Utilities and earn hours toward their Class “C” license. In its inaugural class, ten students have passed their certification exam and demonstrated a marked increase in their knowledge about water and wastewater operations. These students are now recruiting their peers and laying the groundwork to flood this H2O Pipeline Program with qualified workers for the future.