Illinois American Water Supports Water Utility Workforce Development

Illinois American Water is dedicated to supporting programs and partnerships that create career opportunities that help develop the next generation of skilled water professionals.

Workforce development is a key priority for Illinois American Water as the company works to attract, develop and retain the skilled professionals needed to deliver safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to customers across the state.

“Like many industries, the water sector is undergoing major workforce changes as experienced employees retire and demand for skilled talent grows,” said Rebecca Losli, Illinois American Water, president. “That’s why we’re investing in programs and partnerships that connect people with meaningful career opportunities and help prepare the next generation of professionals needed to serve customers and communities across Illinois.”

Recent workforce development initiatives undertaken by Illinois American Water include:

CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy – Woodridge, Illinois

Brings together a coalition of industry partners to build a strong, skilled workforce for construction and utility-related jobs. The training program tours partner facilities that showcase the intricacies of utility-related jobs and offers career fairs for available positions or talent networks.

Center for Academic and Vocation Excellence – Belleville, Illinois

Inspires high school students to explore vocational career pathways beyond the classroom. Illinois American Water welcomed the company’s first high school apprentice, who became a full-time employee after graduation in May 2026.

Lansdowne UP RISE UP – East St. Louis, Illinois

Provides training, development, and mentorship to high school students. During the summer internship program participants recently visited a water treatment plant and met with Illinois American Water employees to learn more about careers in the water industry.

“We recently welcomed an apprentice from the Center for Academic and Vocation Excellence to our team as a full-time employee,” said Nole Dailey, Illinois American Water, superintendent of field operations. “Their perspective has already proven to be valuable, and we look forward to their continued contributions to the work we do as we continue to provide customers and communities with safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water. All of us at Illinois American Water hope the next generation of professionals feel inspired to pursue a career in the water industry.”

Through these efforts, Illinois American Water is helping create pathways to meaningful and rewarding careers while strengthening the workforce that will support the future of the water industry.

SOURCE – American Water

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