Showing students what utilities do and why our work matters is key to recruiting the next generation of water professionals. Below is a collection of resources and ideas to help you connect with schools, community groups, and potential future employees.
Resources for Utilities
Getting Started with Community Engagement
Building relationships with your community doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small and grow your program over time. Even simple efforts like participating in a career fair or hosting a facility tour can plant seeds that grow into future applications and interest in water careers.
Who to Engage
- High School Students — Many don’t know water careers exist beyond what they see on the street. Show them the technology, science, and variety of roles available.
- Community College Students — Perfect timing to introduce water programs and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Career Changers — Veterans, manufacturing workers, and others looking for stable, meaningful work.
- Community Groups — Rotary clubs, chambers of commerce, and civic organizations whose members influence young people.
- Parents and Career Counselors — They often guide career decisions and need to understand the opportunities available.
Not sure where to start? SCDEW Regional Workforce Advisors can help
Each area of the state has a designated Regional Workforce Advisor through the SC Department of Employment and Workforce, whose job is to connect employers and schools. They can help coordinate career fairs, STEM events, classroom visits, and more, so you don’t have to build these relationships from scratch. Visit SCDEW’s website to learn more
Calendar of Key Dates and Celebrations
Use these dates to plan your outreach activities, social media posts, and community events. Dates are shown as they recur annually since exact days shift year to year. Click through to each sponsor for the current year’s specific date.
| Event | When (Recurring) | Outreach Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Engineers Week DiscoverE | Third week of February (includes Feb. 22) | Highlight engineering roles in water utilities |
| SC Water Professionals Day SC Water Associations | First Monday in March | Showcase your team and career paths |
| National Procurement Month NIGP | All of March | Spotlight procurement and administrative roles |
| U.N. World Water Day United Nations | March 22 (fixed date) | Perfect for facility tours and education |
| Earth Day earthday.org | April 22 (fixed date) | Connect environmental stewardship to water careers |
| Drinking Water Week AWWA | First full week of May | Host open houses and school presentations |
| National Safe Boating Week National Safe Boating Council | Week before Memorial Day weekend | Partner with recreation departments |
| 811 Day (Call Before You Dig) Common Ground Alliance | August 11 (fixed date) | Demonstrate utility safety and technology |
| Source Water Protection Week AWWA | Last week of September into early October (varies) | Watershed tours and environmental education |
| Fire Prevention Week NFPA | Week including October 9 | Partner with fire departments on hydrant programs |
| Imagine a Day Without Water Value of Water Campaign | Mid-October (specific date announced annually) | Social media campaigns and community education |
| Veterans Day | November 11 (fixed date) | Highlight veteran-friendly hiring and transferable skills |
| U.N. World Toilet Day United Nations | November 19 (fixed date) | Educational opportunity about wastewater treatment |
Outreach Ideas
School Partnerships
- Facility Tours — Nothing beats seeing the technology in action. Prepare age-appropriate explanations and highlight different job roles throughout the tour.
- Classroom Presentations — Bring props, uniforms, and equipment. Science classes love water quality demos, and math classes can learn about flow calculations.
- Career Day Participation — Go beyond just talking about jobs. Bring equipment students can handle and problems they can solve.
- Internship Programs — Partner with high schools and community colleges to offer hands-on experience.
- STEM Fair Judging — Volunteer to judge science fairs and connect with students interested in water-related projects.
Community Engagement
- Open Houses — Host annual events where people can ask questions and meet your team.
- Festivals and Farmers Markets — Set up booths with interactive displays and career information.
- Service Club Presentations — Rotary, Lions Club, and Kiwanis meetings are great venues to reach people who are active in your community.
- Social Media Spotlights — Feature different employees and their career journeys.
Share Your Utility’s Story
SC Water Careers is only as good as the utilities and people it features. Here’s how your utility can be part of the site:
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