MILWAUKEE, Wis. – In a move to strengthen the local water workforce and drive technological innovation, The Water Council and Veolia North America (VNA) have announced the launch of a Water & Wastewater Workforce Center in Milwaukee. This partnership aims to expand the talent pool, promote diversity, and address key challenges in the water sector. The collaboration also supports Wisconsin’s Water + Energy Forward Engine, focusing on advancing new water and energy technologies.
Addressing Workforce Challenges in the Water Industry
The water sector, despite offering stable, family-supporting jobs, faces significant challenges due to an aging workforce and difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled talent. The Water & Wastewater Workforce Center will tackle these issues through:
- Comprehensive Training and Education Programs
- Outreach and Diversity Initiatives
- Upskilling and Overcoming Workforce Barriers
According to Fred Van Heems, President and CEO of Veolia North America, “As climate change intensifies water challenges, the need for a skilled and diverse water workforce becomes increasingly vital. What we achieve here in Milwaukee can serve as a model not only locally but globally.”
Veolia’s Eco factory: A Step Toward Sustainable Wastewater Treatment
Veolia’s partnership with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to operate and maintain one of the largest wastewater treatment systems in the U.S. serves over one million residents across 29 municipalities. This collaboration is a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s growing reputation as a global water hub.
Earlier this year, Veolia designated Milwaukee as its first North American “Ecofactory,” in partnership with MMSD and the City of Milwaukee. An Ecofactory focuses on:
- Maximizing the Value of Wastewater Resources
Such as reclaimed water and heat. - Optimizing Operational Efficiency
By improving processes for enhanced sustainability. - Promoting Environmental and Community Stewardship
Strengthening Milwaukee’s Role as a Global Water Hub
“Milwaukee’s reputation as a World Water Hub is largely due to the work of Veolia North America and its collaboration with MMSD,” said Dean Amhaus, President and CEO of The Water Council. “We’re excited to deepen our partnership with Veolia and work together on critical workforce and water technology issues.”
Partnership Fuels Innovation Through the Water + Energy Forward Engine
The partnership aligns with the goals of the Water + Energy Forward Engine (W+E Forward), a consortium led by The Water Council that focuses on tackling water, energy, and waste challenges for small- and medium-sized manufacturers and utilities. W+E Forward, which includes Wisconsin universities, businesses, and nonprofits, received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2023 to kickstart the initiative.
Key Innovations in Water and Energy Technology
As part of the agreement, Veolia will collaborate with The Water Council and W+E Forward to explore new technologies, including:
- Innovative Sludge Management and Biosolids Solutions
- Energy Recovery from Waste Streams (e.g., Biogas)
- Enhanced Efficiencies in Water Treatment and Energy Management
NSF Funding: Supporting Regional Innovation and Growth
The Water Council and its partners are now seeking a Launch Award of up to $160 million over 10 years from the National Science Foundation. This funding will enable the development and deployment of cutting-edge water and energy solutions that can benefit Wisconsin and beyond.
Milwaukee’s Workforce Hub Designation: Building for the Future
Milwaukee’s recent designation as a Workforce Hub by the White House is another significant milestone. This designation aims to prepare workers for infrastructure projects, including the replacement of lead drinking water pipes.
Public and Private Partnerships: The Key to Workforce Development
“From the White House to global companies like Veolia, attention is increasingly focused on Milwaukee’s water-related opportunities,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “Today’s announcement demonstrates the importance of building public-private partnerships to support workforce development, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen Milwaukee’s position as a leader in water infrastructure and technology.”
Mayor Johnson also expressed his support for W+E Forward’s application to the NSF, emphasizing its potential to showcase Wisconsin’s leadership in water and energy innovation.
Supporting Smaller Manufacturers and Utilities
“This is a significant opportunity to demonstrate the water and energy innovation happening in Wisconsin and support our smaller manufacturers and utilities,” said Johnson.
Leadership Team: A Strong Foundation for Innovation
Veolia North America’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Dave Ross, will join the W+E Forward leadership team, which includes prominent figures from:
- Rockwell Automation
- Microsoft
- MKE Tech Hub Coalition
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Wisconsin: A Hub for Water and Energy Technologies
“Wisconsin is uniquely positioned to foster new water and energy technologies that will help small and medium-sized manufacturers and utilities succeed in a sustainable economy,” said Dean Amhaus of The Water Council. “We are excited about the future of the Water + Energy Forward Engine and the impact it will have on our region.”
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Milwaukee’s Water Workforce
The launch of the Water & Wastewater Workforce Center in Milwaukee signals a strong commitment to addressing workforce challenges in the water sector, driving technological innovation, and creating sustainable solutions. This collaboration between The Water Council, Veolia North America, and local institutions solidifies Milwaukee’s position as a global leader in water technology, while also supporting the growth of Wisconsin’s Water + Energy Forward Engine.