The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC), Veolia North America and the Massachusetts Water Works Association have partnered on the “Pipeline Program,” a local summer internship program geared toward water workforce development that is currently accepting applicants until March 26.
This opportunity is geared toward high school students from Springfield who are interested in learning more about career opportunities in the water sector, gaining hands-on experience, building critical job skills and serving their community. The unique, work-based learning opportunity will welcome 12 interns for the seven-week summer program and comes at a time when careers in the water industry are transforming, as more advanced treatment systems are integrated and new technology is adopted.
“We are excited to embark on our third year of the Pipeline Program as we continue to work to build our water workforce of the future while rebuilding our critical infrastructure,” said SWSC Executive Director Josh Schimmel. “In October we broke ground on the new West Parish Water Treatment Plant, which is the start of an exciting new era for both water treatment and water careers for the region. Pipeline Program interns will have a unique opportunity to see the planning and construction that goes into generational projects of this magnitude, while also participating in other skill building and mentorship with our experienced and dedicated staff.”
Veolia, Springfield’s contracted wastewater operator that manages the Springfield Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (SRWTF) on Bondi’s Island, is also continuing its partnership on the Pipeline Program. Veolia will host interns at the SRWTF as part of the internship rotation, exposing interns to the wastewater treatment process and the many rewarding careers available at their wastewater operations around the world.
“Veolia is tremendously passionate about workforce development–not just for the benefit of our organization, but for our industry as a whole and the communities we serve,” says Matthew LaPointe, Vice President of Veolia North America’s Municipal Water Operations in Springfield. “Seeing the continued, demonstrated success of the Pipeline Program illustrates that interests can be cultivated into passions through strong professional partnership and hands-on experience.”
Applications for the Pipeline Program are being accepted now through March 26, 2025. Applicants can apply online through the Commission’s career portal. More information and links to the application are available on the Commission’s website waterandsewer.org/pipeline-program.
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