Priority 5
Build a robust workforce
Maximize the health and economic benefits of lead line replacement.
Key Action 1/2
Require apprenticeship programs in lead service line replacement contracts
Cities with a significant number of lead service lines may implement an apprenticeship program to both build contractor capacity as well as employ and create long-term career opportunities for affected residents. Such an effort, which involves collaboration with local unions, yields an array of benefits.
Buld contractor capacity
Build contractor capacity in your community through training a robust workforce. This helps prevent the challenges of a limited workforce, which constrains the pace of lead service line replacement programs and increases its cost.
Focus on creating jobs for unemployed residents and increasing pay
Focus on creating jobs for unemployed residents and increasing pay for those working at minimum wage, raising the standard of living for participants. Contract language can specify a focus on underserved populations from high poverty areas of the community. This has the added benefit of keeping a portion of lead pipe replacement funds circulating within the community.
Collaborate with unions
Collaborate with unions, which have expertise in creating apprenticeship programs leading to good paying jobs. This has the added benefit of building union membership, including local union representation for people of color and young people from the community.
Create pathways for long term career success
Create pathways for long term career success by converting contracted lead service line replacement work into a permanent position with a construction contractor.
Build community trust
Build community trustby hiring local residents onto lead pipe replacement field crews. This may also ease efforts to access properties as they know the community (and sometimes the occupants of a given home), which can support community outreach efforts.
Track key metrics and demographics
Track key metrics and demographics related to the new hires and apprentices to ensure that the programs are having the intended benefit of supporting the specific community populations.
Examples of utility contracting that promotes apprenticeships and local hiring:
- Newark, NJ structured their lead service line replacement program to include apprenticeships. The program resulted in 500 local jobs, 250 of which went to local residents, many of whom were previously unemployed. Contracting terms required contractors to hire a percentage of local residents and required a portion of subcontractors to be local firms.
- Milwaukee Water Works, WI lead service line replacement contracts include provisions requiring 40% of all hours worked to be performed by Resident Preference Program (RPP) participants and the use of apprentices. Contracts greater than $500,000 require a percentage of hours to be performed by apprentices and RPP participants who reside in high-poverty areas.
- Detroit, MI through Executive Order 2021-02, requires all construction projects greater than $3 million to have 51% of the workforce be bona-fide Detroit residents.
Waterloop Episode: Milwaukee’s Lead Pipe Replacement Is Boosting Workforce Development by requiring contractors to hire 40% of their workforce from disadvantaged zip codes.
Develop training programs
Develop training programs to prepare individuals for careers in the water sector. In addition to requiring contractors to hire apprentices, an ongoing workforce development program in the region can provide long-term opportunities for growth.
Examples of programs to build the pipeline of potential employees:
- St. Paul Regional Water Services has grown its workforce by at least 10% to meet the growing need to expand their lead service line replacement program
- Alliance of Indiana Rural Water offers a two-year training program to upskill apprentices to become employable as a Systems Operations Specialist in the water sector
- Grand Rapids, MI partnered with Grand Rapids Community College and Bay College to introduce high school students and adult learners to water and wastewater careers
- IEWorks provides internship, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship opportunities in water
- Milwaukee Water Works is part of the Milwaukee Workforce Hub to expand pathways to good jobs and has also compiled a list of local colleges and programs that can help job seekers earn a career in water
The Council of State Governments Public Sector Apprenticeship Toolkit for addressing critical workforce shortages in state and local governments