@Kyle Packham
As a member of the Statewide Advisory Council for the new California Water, Wastewater, and Energy Workforce Development Program led by the California Municipal Utilities Association, CSDA is pleased to promote the release of a workforce development Request for Proposals inviting responses from public utilities and other qualified organizations, including utility consortia, community colleges, industry-specific training providers, and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
Specifically, the RFP is seeking providers with expertise in areas such as industry-specific “career ladder training,” new worker placement, and career advancement for existing workers. Focus will be placed on participants from underrepresented populations including low- to moderate-income communities, and support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
“CSDA appreciates our long-standing partnership with CMUA and is proud to serve on the Statewide Advisory Council for the California Water, Wastewater, and Energy Workforce Development Program,” said Neil McCormick, CSDA Chief Executive Officer. “Special districts are local service specialists, employing over 160,000 front-line workers who are critical to the essential services and infrastructure California’s communities rely on every day.”
CMUA expects to award multiple contracts statewide through this competitive solicitation. Funding will come from part of a $4 million grant CMUA received earlier this year from the California Workforce Development Board’s High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) Program.
The California Water, Wastewater, and Energy Workforce Development Program will take a multifaceted approach. Another competitive solicitation, coming in 2024, will create one regional consortium designed to connect CMUA members to workers, community colleges and universities, and other interested parties. A pilot program in the selected region will support new entrants into the industry, particularly from underrepresented communities.
The water and energy industries are facing widespread shortages of qualified workers due to expected retirements, needed investments in California’s infrastructure, and new technical and scientific skills required to operate, improve, and maintain critical systems. For example, nationwide labor market estimates indicate that as many as one-third of water workers will be eligible to retire within the next 5 to 10 years.
RFP responses are due November 13, 2023. If you have any questions about the RFP or the California Water, Wastewater, and Energy Workforce Development Program, email Danielle Blacet-Hyden, CMUA Deputy Executive Director.
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