Water UP! (Water Utility Pipeline Program)

Creating Career Pathways in the Water Industry 

A meaningful career begins with access to the right opportunities. New Jersey American Water’s Water UP! program connects qualified individuals from underserved communities with training, professional development and exposure to career pathways in the water and wastewater industry. 

Launched in 2021, the paid workforce development program introduces participants to an essential industry that supports safe, reliable water and wastewater service every day. Through Water UP!, participants gain practical experience, build professional skills and learn about career opportunities that offer long-term growth, stability and the opportunity to serve communities across New Jersey. 

About the Program 

Water UP! is designed to help participants explore utility careers that match their interests and skills while helping strengthen the future workforce needed to serve New Jersey communities. The program brings together community, workforce development and industry partners to provide hands-on learning, workplace readiness and meaningful exposure to water and wastewater operations. 

Participants are paid $20 per hour while completing the program. The experience includes professional development, industry exposure, job observation, safety training, customer service exercises and opportunities to connect with utility employers through a career fair and graduation event. 

Program History 

Since its launch, Water UP! has grown through partnerships across New Jersey, helping more than 50 participants explore utility-sector careers and build connections with workforce development organizations, community partners and industry employers. 

  • 2021: Launched in Camden in partnership with Hopeworks and APEX Solutions. 
  • 2022: Expanded to the Plainfield area through a cohort based at New Jersey American Water’s Plainfield Operations Center. 
  • 2023: Continued through a partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey near the company’s Lawnside Operations Center. 
  • 2024: Partnered again with Rowan College of South Jersey through the Egg Harbor City facility and introduced an annual career fair. 
  • 2025: Expanded to North Jersey through a partnership with Essex County College, with hands-on activities at New Jersey American Water’s Short Hills facility. 
  • 2026: Returned to Camden through a renewed partnership with Hopeworks. 

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2026 Water UP! Cohort 

In 2026, New Jersey American Water renewed its partnership with Hopeworks, returning Water UP! to Camden five years after the program first launched there. The 10-week program brings together community, workforce development and industry partners to prepare the next generation of water professionals and strengthen New Jersey’s future workforce. 

Participants will complete the program at Hopeworks and New Jersey American Water locations, including a tour of Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority’s Water Pollution Control Facility. The cohort will conclude with a career fair and graduation at the company’s headquarters.

Career Pathways 

Water UP! introduces participants to career paths such as utility mechanic, production mechanic, operations specialist, field services representative, administrative and operations support, water quality and environmental compliance technician, and customer service representative. Through professional development, industry exposure and hands-on learning experiences, participants gain practical insight into the careers that keep water and wastewater service flowing for customers and communities. 

What Participants Learn 

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  • Water systems, treatment and distribution 
  • Safety training and OSHA certification 
  • Utility mechanic, field service and job observation experiences 
  • Customer service, communication and role-playing exercises 
  • Resume development, interview preparation and professional skills 
  • Teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and workplace expectations 
  • Trade mathematics, financial literacy and workplace technology 
  • Emerging utility technologies, including leak detection and unmanned aircraft systems 

Program Impact 

Over the past five years, Water UP! has helped more than 50 participants explore utility-sector careers while strengthening connections among workforce development organizations, community partners and industry employers. As demand grows for skilled workers in critical infrastructure industries, Water UP! continues to open doors for participants while helping strengthen the workforce communities depend on every day. 

Interested in Water UP!? 

Details about future Water UP! cohorts and partnership opportunities will be shared as they become available. Please check back for updates on upcoming program opportunities, participant information and ways to connect with New Jersey American Water’s workforce development initiatives.