As the water industry experiences increasing demand for skilled professionals, Illinois American Water continues to invest in workforce development through programs and partnerships that create career pathways and prepare the next generation of water industry talent.
Developing a strong workforce remains a strategic priority for the company as it focuses on attracting, training, and retaining qualified employees to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and high-quality water and wastewater services to customers across Illinois.
"Like many sectors, the water industry is facing a significant workforce transition as experienced employees retire and the need for skilled professionals continues to rise," said Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water. "By partnering with educational institutions and community organizations, we're creating opportunities for people to build rewarding careers while ensuring we have the workforce needed to serve our customers and communities across the state."
Among the company's recent workforce development initiatives are:
CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy – Woodridge, Illinois: Illinois American Water collaborates with a network of industry partners to strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers for construction and utility careers. The program offers facility tours that provide participants with firsthand exposure to utility operations, along with career fairs that connect job seekers with employment opportunities and talent networks. Center for Academic and Vocation Excellence – Belleville, Illinois: This initiative encourages high school students to explore vocational career options through practical learning experiences. Illinois American Water recently hired its first high school apprentice from the program as a full-time employee following the student's graduation in May 2026. Lansdowne UP RISE UP – East St. Louis, Illinois: Designed to provide high school students with training, mentoring, and professional development, the program includes summer internships. Participants recently toured a water treatment plant and met with Illinois American Water employees to gain insight into careers within the water sector. Developing a strong workforce remains a strategic priority for the company as it focuses on attracting, training, and retaining qualified employees to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and high-quality water and wastewater services to customers across Illinois.
"Like many sectors, the water industry is facing a significant workforce transition as experienced employees retire and the need for skilled professionals continues to rise," said Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water. "By partnering with educational institutions and community organizations, we're creating opportunities for people to build rewarding careers while ensuring we have the workforce needed to serve our customers and communities across the state."
Among the company's recent workforce development initiatives are:
"We're excited to have welcomed an apprentice from the Center for Academic and Vocation Excellence as a full-time member of our team," said Nole Dailey, Superintendent of Field Operations at Illinois American Water. "Their fresh perspective has already made a positive impact, and we're confident they will continue to contribute as we deliver safe, dependable, and affordable water services. We hope these programs inspire more young people to consider rewarding careers in the water industry."
Through these partnerships and training initiatives, Illinois American Water is expanding access to meaningful career opportunities while building a skilled workforce capable of supporting the future needs of the water industry. Those interested in exploring career opportunities or joining the company's talent network can find more information on the American Water careers website.
Through these partnerships and training initiatives, Illinois American Water is expanding access to meaningful career opportunities while building a skilled workforce capable of supporting the future needs of the water industry. Those interested in exploring career opportunities or joining the company's talent network can find more information on the American Water careers website.