EPA is soliciting applications to assist in the development and utilization of innovative activities relating to workforce development and career opportunities in the water utility sector, which may include:

• expanding the use and availability of activities and resources that relate to the recruitment, including the promotion of diversity within that recruitment, of individuals to careers in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector, including stormwater;
• expanding the availability of training opportunities for (i) individuals entering the water and wastewater utility sector; and (ii) individuals seeking to advance careers within the water and wastewater utility sector;
• expanding the use and availability of activities and strategies, including the development of innovative activities and strategies, that relate to the maintenance and retention of a sustainable workforce in the water and wastewater utility sector; and
• expanding the availability of workforce development and training that enables drinking water and wastewater utility workers to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air pollutants to benefit disadvantaged communities.

EPA is soliciting applications in six Project Areas:

1. Targeted internship, apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and postsecondary bridge programs for skilled water utility trades;
2. Education programs designed for elementary, secondary, and higher education students;
3. Regional industry and workforce development collaborations to address water utility employment needs and coordinate candidate development, particularly in areas of high unemployment or for water utilities with a high proportion of retirement eligible employees;
4. Leadership development, occupational training, mentoring, or crosstraining programs that ensure incumbent drinking water and wastewater utility workers are prepared for higher level supervisory or management-level positions;
5. Education and training programs, including internship or apprenticeship programs, designed for decentralized water workers (i.e., private well and/or septic system service professionals) to support public health outcomes for communities that rely on private wells for drinking water or decentralized systems for adequate treatment and disposal of wastewater; and
6. Leadership development, occupational training, mentoring, workforce development and/or cross training programs that enable drinking water and wastewater utility workers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions2 and other air pollutants to benefit disadvantaged communities.