Delaware Online Training | Workforce Planning and Water System Collaboration January 26, 2021 Description: Running a small system can be challenging. Along with meeting regulatory obligations and satisfying customer expectations, you may have issues with aging infrastructure, limited financial resources, and a lack of staff capacity. Partnership-building and workforce development strategies can help you identify collaboration opportunities to benefit your system while also ensuring that you attract and retain a strong internal team.  These strategies can also provide a basis for better utility management and planning. In this training, we discussed approaches to system collaboration and workforce planning including:

• Personnel sharing
• Leveraging shared purchasing power
• How to prepare your utility for knowledge or technology transfer
• Analyzing gaps in your current workforce
• Maintaining a workplace culture that attracts qualified applicants and partners
• Recruiting and working with younger generations
• Preparing for retirements with succession planning tips

Presenters: - Meredith Perreault, Program Manager, Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center - Stephen Lapp, Project Manager, Environmental Finance Center at the University of North Carolina - Sandi Spiegel, Public Health Treatment Program Administrator, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Continuing Education Certificates: This training course is eligible for 2 Training Credit Hours pending review of the Advisory Council for the Licensing of Certified Public Water System Operators. Certificates will be issued after the March meeting. In order to receive a certificate, Attendees must have: Partners:               Any Questions? Contact: smallsystems@syr.edu Presentation(s) & Video Recording: If you are interested in viewing these materials, please email smbetkow@syr.edu