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:

"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.

Growing Demand for Skilled Trades Workers in the Energy Sector
The demand for skilled trades professionals in the U.S. energy industry is at an all-time high. According to the Center for Energy Workforce Development, the sector is expected to require 32 million new employees over the next decade due to rapid expansion—creating vast career opportunities for individuals interested in trades-based professions.

PSEG Hosts Career Exploration Event at Passaic County Technical Institute
Recognizing the importance of building a strong talent pipeline, PSEG hosted "PSEG Day" on April 30 at Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI). The event welcomed more than 75 students for a hands-on, career-focused experience that highlighted opportunities in the energy sector—many of which don’t require a traditional four-year college degree.

Throughout the day, students participated in live fieldwork simulations, explored interactive demonstrations, and attended panel discussions with current PSEG employees. These activities offered students a real-world look at careers in electric and gas operations and the essential roles that support New Jersey’s energy needs.

Beyond serving as an educational experience, the event had a direct employment impact—PSEG conducted interviews on-site and extended immediate job offers to seven students by the end of the day. This outcome reflects both the students’ preparedness and the importance of early engagement with career-focused education in the skilled trades.

Bridging the Gap in the Energy Workforce
“The growing demand for energy professionals means companies are competing for top talent, making early engagement like this more critical than ever,” said Steven Fleischer, Executive Director of HR – DEI, Talent Acquisition & PSEG Long Island. “With over 500,000 skilled tradespeople projected to retire in the coming years, and more students considering alternatives to traditional college, initiatives like PSEG Day are essential for connecting education with practical career paths.”

Students also learned about career progression within union roles in gas and electric fields, including opportunities to move into leadership positions. These roles offer more than just financial stability—they provide meaningful work that supports local communities and long-term career growth.

PSEG’s Broader Commitment to Workforce Development
PSEG’s efforts to develop local talent go well beyond a single event. Through apprenticeship programs, educational partnerships, and continued engagement like PSEG Day, the company is helping to create stable, rewarding careers while ensuring New Jersey’s energy infrastructure remains reliable and future-ready.