AWWA DSS62062

This paper discusses a study by the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF) and the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) called "Succession Planning for a Vital Workforce In the Information Age." The study includes an analysis of workforce demographics and a utility survey. Products developed and pilot tested during the study include a Workforce Planning Model, Knowledge Capture Methodology, Curriculum Development, Becoming an Employer of Choice. The reasons for the study included: the coming generational change as Baby Boomers retire; the increasing average age of the workforce; the concern that utilities are becoming more technologically complex workplaces requiring more skilled workers; concerns that the pool of competent replacement workers is becoming more shallow; and, concerns that retirements will result in the loss of valuable knowledge. The study scope included: an assessment of both national and utility workforce demographics; identifying future shortfalls in critical and technical skills; and, providing guidance for creating a succession strategy. A key feature of the study included pilot demonstrations at various utilities that included: Howard County, Maryland; Frederick County, Virginia, Sanitation Authority (FCSA); Washington Suburban, Maryland, Sanitary Commission (WSSC); Massachusetts Water Resource Authority; and, Louisville Water Company. In performing the study, the following methods were used: analyzed national workforce demographics; surveyed utilities for demographics and Human Resources approaches; developed Knowledge Management Toolkit; developed and successfully piloted Knowledge Capture; piloted water and wastewater operator training curriculum development; and, developed a Workforce Planning Model.