Where's our future Wastewater Workforce?

The Wastewater Industry is facing the same baby boomer retirement phenomena as many other technician trade positions in this country. At the same time, many of the traditional community/technical college water/wastewater technology programs are being phased out, not because of lack of jobs but in most cases because of low enrollment. Yet, many wastewater facilities are reporting significant job openings but lack of trained recruits available. This is occurring while the wastewater industry continues to go through technological change, increased regulatory demands, aging infrastructure, and tough budget times. This translates to increased demands on management, operations, laboratory, collection systems and maintenance personnel of which many are retiring or near retirement age.