Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID OR_2023_Beaudoin

Workforce Development for Water-Related Careers in Oregon

Institute: Oregon
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2023-09-01 End Date: 2024-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $24,514 Total Non-Federal Funds: $24,755

Principal Investigators: Fletcher Beaudoin

Project Summary: The need to grow our water workforce is well documented both nationally and within Oregon. The pool of new skilled and qualified employees is too small to meet current demand. The average age of the workforce is increasing, with more retirements on the horizon, and the number of workers needed overall is growing. This project proposes to grow the pool of diverse, qualified workers who are prepared for careers in the water workforce through developing regional partnerships, connecting post-secondary students with better educational and professional development opportunities, supporting the implementation of established best practices like focused training pathways, and aligning with K-12 schools’ and other support organizations’ activities. PSU will convene and facilitate conversations that improve the visibility for the water workforce across the state, connect partners, and position water workforce jobs as well-paying, sustainable careers that create a more resilient region and create socioeconomic mobility for employees.