Veolia, NYEC Launch Workforce Initiative to Build Next Generation of Water Industry Talent
Key Highlights
- Partnership targets workforce shortages in water and wastewater systems
- Focus on youth recruitment, training and career pathway development
- Multi-city strategy aims to build long-term, scalable talent pipelines
WASHINGTON, DC — Veolia is partnering with the National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) to expand workforce pipelines for the water and wastewater sector, addressing growing labor shortages and increasing demand for skilled operators and technicians.
The collaboration focuses on building scalable recruitment and training pathways to support critical infrastructure systems that contractors, municipalities and utilities rely on every day.
Workforce Initiative Targets Critical Labor Shortages
The water sector is facing mounting workforce challenges, driven by retirements and increased demand tied to population growth and environmental pressures.
Through this partnership, Veolia and NYEC will develop a multi-city strategy to expand recruitment pipelines, strengthen training programs and raise awareness of careers in water and wastewater.
For contractors and industry professionals, these efforts are aimed at ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers capable of supporting installation, maintenance and system operations.
“Veolia has long recognized the need to engage talented professionals as they start to explore their own career paths,” said Karine Rougé, Executive Vice President of Strategic Transformations for Veolia in North America. “With so many companies looking for motivated workers, partnering with an organization like the National Youth Employment Coalition helps a company like Veolia optimize our initiatives for workforce development while amplifying our voice in the competition for attention among young adults exploring future careers.”
Focus on Training, Access and Career Awareness
A key component of the initiative is reaching young adults—particularly those disconnected from education and employment—and connecting them with structured pathways into the trades and infrastructure careers.
The program emphasizes hands-on training, partnerships with local organizations and alignment with real labor market needs, helping participants transition into stable, long-term careers.
Industry Collaboration Expands Impact Across Sectors
The partnership also supports broader industry coordination through NYEC’s Youth Champion Employer Council, an employer-led initiative designed to align workforce needs with youth development programs.
Veolia is co-leading the effort alongside other industry partners, helping shape a more coordinated approach to workforce development across sectors including infrastructure, manufacturing and technology.
“This partnership comes at a critical moment,” said Scott Beeney, Veolia Workforce Development and Community Engagement Leader. “The water industry requires cooperation with a variety of stakeholders to ensure both public health and environmental security. It’s as demanding as it is rewarding, and anyone who has worked with NYEC has already shown a willingness to step up to that challenge.”
Retirements Drive Urgency for New Talent Pipelines
With a large portion of the current workforce approaching retirement, the need for new talent is accelerating.
By leveraging NYEC’s national network and experience in youth workforce development, the initiative aims to bring in a new generation of workers equipped with both technical skills and a long-term commitment to the industry.
Multi-City Strategy Builds Long-Term Workforce Model
Over the next year, Veolia and NYEC will work with local agencies, community organizations and workforce leaders to build and scale these programs across multiple markets.
For contractors and utilities, the effort represents a proactive step toward addressing labor shortages while strengthening the long-term reliability of water and wastewater infrastructure.