Developing the next generation of water professionals

Ferguson has long been a top distributor of water and wastewater materials across North America. This year, the company is deepening its commitment to the sector by expanding its support of the water workforce.

Ferguson Cares, the company’s social impact program, recently announced a partnership with American Water Works Association’s Water Equation to provide scholarships for water operators under the age of 30.

“Strong infrastructure starts and sustains with a strong workforce,” said Melissa Hazelwood, director of Ferguson Cares. “Our water systems face growing challenges, and the professionals who maintain them should have clear paths to advance their skills. Supporting their continuing education means supporting the future of clean water for all.”

Ferguson’s $25,000 donation doubles the pool of funding for the Water Operator Education Fund, which reimburses for education, certification, training, and conference attendance.

“We aim to grow this fund to help meet ever-increasing workforce needs,” said Margo Hatton, senior manager of development and donor relations at AWWA. “The more the sector can attract, develop and retain water professionals, the better able it will be to prepare for and absorb the impact of retiring professionals.”

Nearly 90% of the water workforce is aged 45 or older, and 30% is expected to retire within the next decade.

Water Equation seeks to address these workforce needs through training and development for young professionals. Ferguson’s partnership marks Water Equation’s first dedicated investment from a corporate partner focused specifically on strengthening pathways for early-career water operators, and Hatton looks forward to developing more like it.

“We want to work with corporations who are just as invested in developing the workforce as we are, corporations who want to give back and pay it forward,” Hatton said.

Ferguson’s partnership is one piece of its efforts to connect 50,000 youth — in elementary, middle, and high schools — to the skilled trades. The company has already sponsored HVAC and plumbing labs in middle and high schools in 17 states and a skilled trades summer camp for girls in New York. This new collaboration represents Ferguson’s first formal effort to support workforce development directly within the water sector.

To learn more about Water Equation or to donate, visit the website.