Water Workforce Utility Program

Program Overview

On September 7, 2024, CEWD celebrated the graduation of 17 students from the Water Workforce Utility Program (WWUP). The pre-apprenticeship program was a collaborative effort between CEWD, New Jersey Future, Jersey Water Works, and New Jersey Water Association.

The program was funded by NJDOL and Bank of America and was at no-cost to the students. Graduates of the program who met all the required attendance milestones were also eligible to receive up to $1,300 in stipends. The cohort started with 19 students on June 15th and ended with 17 graduates on September 5th. The WWUP was a 75 hours long summer intensive program that consisted of OSHA 10, Basic Math Skills, Excel Level 1, Career Readiness, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Customer Service Skills (Utility Sector), and CPR training. Students also received the mentorship and guidance of CEWD Student Success Coach, Mylz Wilson, who provided them with internship prep and resume review.

This pre-apprenticeship program was a collaborative effort between:
• School of Continuing Education and and workforce Development
• New Jersey Future & Jersey Water Works
• New Jersey Water Association (NJWA)

Program Details

Duration: 75-hour summer intensive program
Start Date: June 15, 2024
End Date: September 5, 2024

Components:
• Water and Wastewater Course
• Water Lab
• OSHA 10 Certification
• Basic Math Skills
• Excel Level 1
• Career Readiness Training
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training
• Customer Service Skills (Utility Sector)
• CPR Training

Program Development Team

The program was developed with the support of the following key leaders and partners:
• Paula Figueroa-Vega, Director of Jersey Water Works
• Matthew Maffei, Apprenticeship Coordinator of NJWA
• Lori Margolin, Associate Vice President of CEWD
• Anita Belle, Assistant Vice President for CEWD
• Catherina Mirasol, Former Director of Operations
• Joyce Alvarez, CBI Coordinator
• Mylz Wilson, Student Success Coach


Program Support

The program was made possible thanks to the support of Veolia and its team members, who provided Water and Wastewater
Treatment Classes. The Veolia team included:

  • Jason Kiernan, Vice President
  • John Libitz
  • Angelo Margiolas
  • Richard Tecchio
  • Jaren Harrison

Student Support and Mentorship
Students received guidance from CEWD’s Student Success Coach, Mylz Wilson, who assisted with internship preparation and resume reviews. Mr. Wilson and Program Coordinator Joyce Alvarez continue to work with graduates to connect them with job opportunities in the water industry.

Please contact Joyce Alvarez at jsalvarezFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE if you have any questions or are interested in more information on the Water Workforce Utility Program.

 

Contact Information

Joyce Alvarez
CBI Coordinator for CEWD
161 Newkirk St. (5th Floor)
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 360-5482
jsalvarezFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE