Water Workforce Development
Great Lakes Water Workforce Resource Library
An interactive collection of resources on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater workforce development from across the Great Lakes region.
Explore the resources using the filters below. View resource summaries and click resource titles to access resources. Help build out the Great Lakes Water Workforce Resource Library by submitting a resource. Questions? Please contact Senior Program Specialist James Polidori.
One Water Workforce – Transition & Succession Planning for the Water Sector
2026Critical operational knowledge often lives in the experience of long-time employees—not in manuals. This toolkit helps utilities capture institutional knowledge, prepare for retirements, and ensure operational continuity. Learn practical strategies to document expertise, develop future leaders, build talent pipelines, and create a succession plan that strengthens your organization’s resilience, compliance, and long-term success.
Great Lakes Water Workforce Recommendations
2026In July 2025, the Great Lakes Commission hosted a Water Workforce Roundtable event in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Attendees representing state agencies, water/wastewater utilities, trade/professional associations, and educational institutions shared ideas to advance workforce development across the Great Lakes region’s water sector. Roundtable participants and additional contributors developed recommendations for addressing water workforce challenges and strengthening the sector for generations.
Make a Splash in Your Career With the Water to Work Internship Program! Join Grand Rapids Community College, Bay College and municipal employer partners in the Water to Work program. With paid internships, hands-on learning, a college education, and a clear career trajectory, this program prepares you for success in a vital, high-demand industry.