Stephen R. Kellogg, P.E., BCEE, and Stephen M. Hoffman
More than ever before, public utilities need employees with greater skills to meet the demands of regulatory compliance, safety and reliability, optimization, community expectations, and loss of workforce due to retirements. At the same time, there is high demand for skilled workers in private-sector utilities and other industries. This article in the February 2006 issue of Water Environment & Technology presents how Orange County Utilities in Orlando, Florida, and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority proactively faced this challenge with targeted employee development and career enhancement through skill-based training and certification programs.
The article explores the employee "human side" as well as the utility organizational side of program implementation and how it is possible to achieve a balance between the two. The story also compares and contrasts the drivers behind the two programs, illustrates how their distinct requirements addressed challenges that are common to all utilities regardless of size or location, and summarizes the innovative processes and outcomes that were achieved.
Read the full article: Work Force 2020.