The water industry faces a growing workforce challenge as utilities, engineering firms, and contractors compete for a limited talent pool. Building a sustainable workforce requires reaching future professionals early, creating meaningful opportunities for exploration and engagement, and strengthening connections between education, industry, and the communities they serve.
Join Clean Water Professionals for this Workforce Wednesday session featuring Dr. L. Sebastian Bryson and Kendra Simon as they explore strategies for developing the next generation of water and civil engineering professionals.
Dr. Bryson will highlight two University of Kentucky programs designed to introduce high school students to civil engineering and the career opportunities available within the profession.
The Summer Engineering Exploration Kamp (SEEK) is a one-week residential summer program for rising high school seniors that combines academic instruction with hands-on projects, mentorship, field trips to active project sites, and interaction with practicing engineers from regional engineering firms and governmental agencies.
He will also discuss Civil Engineering Exploration Day (CEED), a one-day open house for high school juniors and seniors and their families that provides an opportunity to discover how civil engineers shape the world around us.
Through these programs, Dr. Bryson will demonstrate how early exposure, experiential learning, and connections with practicing professionals can help inspire students to pursue careers in civil engineering.
Kendra Simon specializes in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and building partnerships between organizations and the communities they serve. Her work focuses on collaborative initiatives that create positive outcomes for both businesses and community partners.
Kendra will discuss practical strategies for addressing the water industry's workforce challenges through early education, community partnerships, workforce development initiatives, and hands-on industry engagement.
Attendees will learn how utilities, engineers, contractors, and other water professionals can play an active role in inspiring students, supporting educators, creating meaningful career pathways, and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the water workforce.
| 10/7/2026 |    |