Valley Water Pioneering Next Gen Program: In the bustling heart of Santa Clara County, where innovation is the name of the game, the Santa Clara Valley Water District is taking a bold stride toward a future that’s equitable and all-encompassing. Their unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion permeates not only their infrastructure projects, grant programs, and partnerships but also their hiring practices. Now, with the introduction of the Valley Water Next Gen Career Pathways Program, they’re poised to elevate their efforts by giving students and recent graduates a chance to step inside.
As a dedicated Valley Water board member for the past 27 years, it’s truly exhilarating to witness the growth and the strides made in diversifying their workforce over time. With the advent of the Next Gen Career Pathways Program, they’re extending an invitation to a fresh generation.
The Next Gen Program is about more than just creating opportunities; it’s about nurturing skills, providing mentorship, and offering hands-on experience in specific fields. It’s their way of ensuring that the world of water is accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstances. The Next Gen Program is their commitment to forging career pathways for underprivileged local communities and to enhancing their efforts to attract diverse candidates from every corner of the nation.
The Next Gen Career Pathways Program was launched in February 2023, introducing three initiatives that play unique roles in shaping their future workforce. Their mission to deliver safe, clean water to the residents and businesses of Santa Clara County hinges on securing this future, and they’re determined to do so now.
These initiatives include the “Wonders of Water,” the “Discover Valley Water Internship Program,” and the “Water Educator Training Program.”
Through a pilot program in collaboration with Cristo Rey High School in San Jose, Valley Water is reaching out to high school students via organizations dedicated to equipping students in Santa Clara County with essential skills for job acquisition and growth. The “Wonders of Water” initiative exemplifies this approach.
Their award-winning internship program, which my fellow board members and I take immense pride in, is set to expand with the addition of 10 new slots designated for students from disadvantaged communities. The “Discover Valley Water Internship Program” collaborates with colleges and universities to ensure underprivileged students have equal access to opportunities within the water industry.
Education is the bedrock of future success, and the “Water Educator” program is all set to provide training that will strengthen partnerships with schools, colleges, and non-profits, promoting water industry education and job opportunities among students.
Furthermore, in conjunction with the Santa Clara County Office of Education and individual school districts, Valley Water is developing classes and programs for high school students. By instilling awareness about careers in Valley Water from the early grades, they’re laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Investing in the Next Gen Career Pathways Program holds paramount importance for our community. It allows Valley Water to take tangible steps toward workforce development, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who can ensure the enduring sustainability of the water industry. This program is a proactive engagement with diverse communities, striving to attract underrepresented groups and promote fairness in hiring outcomes.
In the spirit of equity, diversity, and inclusion, Valley Water’s Next Gen Career Pathways Program isn’t just a program; it’s a promise to dismantle barriers and ensure equal opportunities for every member of our community. I am genuinely excited to be part of an organization that is constructing a workforce that is more inclusive, thereby propelling our region’s advancement for generations to come.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the CEO of Valley Water?
Valley Water’s Chief Executive Officer is Rick Callender.
Where does valley water get its water?
Our water sources include imported water, which comes from snowmelt in the Sierra Nevada. This water travels hundreds of miles through rivers and into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta before reaching Santa Clara County treatment plants or groundwater basins. In fact, this imported water accounts for half of the water we use in our area.