Abstract:

Launched in August 2022, the H₂O Pipeline Program is a vocational initiative designed to train high school seniors to become Class C water or wastewater treatment operators ready to progress into plant operations careers. Orange County Utilities has also recently implemented dual license operator cross-training. Due to the operational needs of its Water and Water Reclamation Divisions, each plant’s operators learning the other division’s specialty enables OCU to enhance its overall efficiency and be better positioned for the future.

The presentation will provide an update about the H₂O Pipeline Program and how it addresses the water and wastewater industries’ need to create a resilient workforce. The presentation will also review the progress of OCU’s cross-training program. These successful initiatives demonstrate options counties can use to recruit, develop, and retain versatile employees who will be well prepared to provide essential services now and in the future.