The Texas Water Foundation and Texas Rural Funders called upon state and local policymakers, educators, and workforce partners to work together to create pathways into the broadband and water workforce.
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The state’s water and broadband infrastructure sectors face urgent workforce challenges, according to a new report.
Issued jointly by the Texas Water Foundation and Texas Rural Funders and authored by Jobs for the Future — a national organization with expertise in education and workforce matters — the report asserts that labor shortages in the water infrastructure and broadband infrastructure fields threaten economic growth and community well-being, particularly in rural areas. The January report draws upon interviews with employers and stakeholders in Texas.
Beyond calling for the alignment of education and training programs with industry needs, the report recommends establishing clear and secure career pathways and strengthening rural workforce capacity. “The next failure of a water system in Texas will most likely be caused or exacerbated by a workforce issue,” said Sarah Schlessinger, CEO of Texas Water Foundation, in a prepared release.
“It could be a broken pipe that was not replaced in time due to a shortage of skilled labor, a backup generator not turned on due to a lack of training, or a water system running out of water or going bankrupt due to a shortage of experienced planners,” she said. “Investing in our water workforce is the most expedient investment we can make now to immediately improve water security in Texas.”
Key recommendations in the report include:
- Expand workforce training programs and improve licensure support to increase certification rates for water operators.
- Develop regional training programs and centers that align broadband and water workforce development with industry demands.
- Leverage Texas’ existing education and workforce initiatives through state agencies to integrate water and broadband careers into statewide economic development strategies.
- Establish dedicated funding for water to help ensure the long-term resilience of the human, natural, and capital components of water infrastructure.
In a joint release, the Texas Water Foundation and Texas Rural Funders called upon state and local policymakers to partner with educators and others to bolster the state’s broadband and water workforce.
“Our rural communities are especially at risk if we do not take decisive action,” said Dr. Kelty Garbee, Executive Director of Texas Rural Funders. “The time is now. We need to build education-to-career pathways that support local talent development and create economic opportunities where they are needed most.”
Find the full report here.