Henry County Water Authority training the next generation of water employees
May 29, 2025
AWWA Articles
Henry County Water Authority training the next generation of water employees
A summer internship program is helping the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) in McDonough, Georgia, create a sustainable pipeline for talent in anticipation of a wave of its employees retiring.
In the summer of 2023, HCWA established a partnership with Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) to offer the internship program, providing rising juniors and seniors with an opportunity to take classes at SCTC while also gaining real-world experience working at HCWA.
“The students attend Southern Crescent two days a week, where they take an employable skills class, which teaches them professionalism, communication and other skills you would need for the workforce,” said Tamara Woodie, HCWA’s director of human resources and risk management.
In the first two summers, the interns gained experience working in HCWA’s wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, labs, plant and infrastructure maintenance departments, reservoir and grounds department and fleet maintenance department. This year, Woodie anticipates expanding to provide opportunities in the IT department, purchasing and inventory, water loss and AMI departments.
Ava Wimbush, 17, the only girl in the first class of interns, gained experience at HCWA’s reservoirs during the summer of 2023, learning about testing water quality.
“I think it was a great starting position where you can learn,” Wimbush said. “You can experience what a job is really like. (The internship) opened opportunities in horticulture and I learned about what the Water Authority does. It also taught me life skills, like (going) through the interview process. It opened a lot of doors at the Water Authority now. There are so many different opportunities available here. The internship gives you a jump start.”
Wimbush intends to work full time at HCWA and attend college part time when she graduates this summer.
“We strongly feel like this program is a gateway into something bigger and better for these students and for us,” Woodie said. “With an increasing number of employees nearing retirement age, it’s essential to cultivate a strong pipeline of future operators and water industry professionals. This approach has proven highly effective for us so far.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow—asking thoughtful questions, taking pride in their contributions, and intentionally engaging in the projects they’ve supported,” Woodie continued. “They bring a fresh energy and curiosity that reminds us of our shared purpose. To me, that captures the true value of investing in the next generation of our workforce.”
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