HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA — Veolia has launched its Workforce Academy North America in Canada, expanding a free, fully digital training program designed to prepare people for careers in the water and wastewater sector. The program is rolling out first in Ontario, with plans to expand nationally through partnerships with provincial water and wastewater associations.

Available at academy.veolia.us, the self-paced program provides online training at no cost to participants. It is intended to help address workforce shortages by reducing barriers to entry and supporting professional development for current operators.

Aging Workforce Creates Demand for Qualified Operators

Approximately 30% of Canadian water and wastewater treatment plant operators are age 50 or older, while more than one-third of the broader sector workforce falls into older age brackets. Municipalities and utilities report difficulty attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

At the same time, aging infrastructure, climate change and evolving regulatory requirements are increasing demand for operators who can manage increasingly advanced treatment systems.

“Canadian communities depend on skilled water and wastewater operators to protect public health and the environment,” said Marco Fontana-Giusti, Canada Vice President, Municipal Services for Veolia in North America, who introduced the program at the 2026 National Water and Wastewater Conference in Halifax. “Veolia Workforce Academy North America removes financial and accessibility barriers that can prevent people from entering this essential sector. We are proud to offer this program at no cost and help municipalities across Ontario build the skilled workforce they need for the future.”

The sector also offers employment opportunities with national average annual pay ranging from approximately $58,103 to $72,952. Entry-level positions start near $44,850, while experienced operators can earn more than $80,350, according to figures provided by Veolia.

Training Aligns With Ontario Certification Requirements

The Ontario rollout aligns with requirements of the Ontario Water & Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO). The online coursework provides foundational knowledge for people preparing for entry-level certification and gives current professionals training to support career development and pursuit of higher-level certifications.

Veolia plans to expand the program across Canada through partnerships with provincial water and wastewater associations, with the goal of pursuing certification recognition through the respective provincial certification offices.

The digital format allows participants to complete training at their own pace, including those in smaller and remote communities. Municipalities and utilities can also use the program as a resource for recruitment, onboarding and employee development.

No-Cost Program Supports Municipal Workforce Development

“Access to quality, no-cost training is essential for smaller municipalities that may not have the resources to develop their own operator training programs,” said Fontana-Giusti. “Veolia Workforce Academy North America helps level the playing field and ensures communities of all sizes can attract and develop qualified water and wastewater professionals.”

Water and wastewater careers provide employment in a sector responsible for protecting public health and environmental resources. The industry has also demonstrated resilience during economic downturns, while continued infrastructure investment and changing environmental conditions are expected to sustain demand for qualified personnel.

North American Program Expands From US Launch

The Canadian launch builds on the Workforce Academy North America program introduced in the United States earlier this year. The initiative is part of Veolia's GreenUp commitment to supporting the communities it serves.

The program combines digital workforce training with an employment pathway intended to expand access to water-sector careers, develop skilled workers and support North American water infrastructure.

To learn more visit www.veolia.com/en.