In November, NEIWPCC’s training team presented the seminar, “Flush to Fresh: Working in the World of Wastewater,” at Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, commonly known as Shawsheen Tech. The special event, free and open to the public, attracted more than 55 individuals, many from the school’s adult education plumbing track, to hear about a related and less well-known career track – the wastewater industry.
Shawsheen Tech is a public high school serving Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Tewksbury and Wilmington, Massachusetts. In addition to their vocational and technical programs, Shawsheen also offers adult education classes with the goal of aligning with local workforce needs and economic trends.
“We try to listen to the community for feedback on what jobs and trainings are in need,” said Allison Cammarata, director of Communications and Community Partnerships at Shawsheen Tech. “We don’t usually host seminars, but this was in response to town managers voicing a need for staff at water treatment facilities, so it seemed fitting.”
During the seminar, NEIWPCC’s Wastewater and Onsite Programs staff Ryan Buckley, Ashley Harrington and Daphne Short shared insights on the vital role wastewater professionals play in protecting public health and the environment. Attendees heard about diverse career paths, training opportunities, and the growing demand for skilled workers in the field. They also learned about the wastewater treatment process and how to become an operator in Massachusetts – a process NEIWPCC coordinates.
For a boots on the ground perspective, participants heard from Nick Evans, superintendent of the Billerica Wastewater Treatment Plant. Evans spoke about how he got into the field at age 35 and quickly advanced through the operator grade levels, becoming superintendent in 2023. He emphasized that in addition to operators, every facility has many other positions too. Heavy machine operators, plumbers, electricians, laboratory analysts and maintenance workers all play a key role in keeping a plant functioning.
Beyond the seminar, Shawsheen Tech also promoted one of NEIWPCC’s fall training courses and two spring courses in their continuing education brochure.
After the enthusiasm shown by the seminar attendees, Harrington is optimistic about potential increased interest in NEIWPCC’s wastewater training courses. “Hopefully this partnership is the beginning of a bigger thing,” she said.
NEIWPCC’s wastewater training staff are in discussions with MassHire career centers and conducting outreach to regional high schools to explore similar partnerships. “We are committed to supporting current and future wastewater professionals in our region, and look forward to continuing our outreach efforts,” added Buckley.
To share a potential partnership or outreach opportunity, please email training@neiwpcc.org.