New Jersey American Water and Apex Solutions Group Host Graduation Ceremony for “Water UP!” Training Program

Today, New Jersey American Water hosted a graduation ceremony for its second cohort of Water Utility Pipeline (Water UP!) training program graduates in partnership with Apex Solutions Group. Over 11 weeks of field training and classroom-based curriculum, 13 adults, mostly from Plainfield, learned about the water utility industry, New Jersey American Water’s role, and essential business skills necessary to successfully pursue a career in the industry upon graduation.

“The innovation and service that New Jersey American Water provides tomorrow will be driven by the next generation of diverse water quality workers today,” said Mark McDonough, President, New Jersey American Water. “The Water UP! program presents a unique opportunity to invest in our most important asset, people. We are proud to see the program continue as we expand the ways in which New Jersey American Water recruits and retains talented members of the communities where we do business, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with the City of Plainfield for this cohort, which is home to our largest operations center in the state.”

The training took place at New Jersey American Water’s Plainfield Operations Center and other nearby facilities in the company’s Central Operating Region, and included utility mechanic, field operations, water production, water quality, OSHA 30, customer service, software and procedures, resume writing, job interview skills and other classes provided by Apex Solutions Group and New Jersey American Water. A career fair was also held the last week of the program, in an effort to pair prospective employers with graduates for job opportunities.

“New Jersey American Water is a great partner in our community, and they are investing in service and success at all levels through their Water UP! program—including empowering the next generation of water utility leaders,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, who delivered the graduation address. “This Water UP! graduation is the result of a commitment to growth and innovation for Plainfield, paired with hard work from the participants. I’m excited to see the success of each graduate here today and encouraged by their focus on a stronger tomorrow.”