Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Veolia announced the launch of its Workforce Academy North America in Canada, starting a free, fully digital training program to help Canadians begin and advance careers in the water and wastewater sector.
Approximately 30 per cent of Canadian water and waste treatment plant operators are aged 50 and over, with more than one-third of the broader sector workforce sitting in older age brackets. Many municipalities and utilities report difficulty attracting and retaining qualified personnel. At the same time, aging infrastructure, climate change and evolving regulatory requirements are increasing demand for skilled operators who can manage increasingly advanced water and wastewater treatment systems.
“Canadian communities depend on skilled water and wastewater operators to protect public health and the environment,” said Marco Fontana-Giusti, Canada VP, Municipal Services for Veolia in North America, who introduced the program at the 2026 National Water and Wastewater Conference in Halifax. “Veolia Workforce Academy North America removes financial and accessibility barriers that can prevent people from entering this essential sector. We are proud to offer this program at no cost and help municipalities across Ontario build the skilled workforce they need for the future.”
Water and wastewater utilities across Canada are facing a growing workforce challenge as experienced operators retire. Veolia Workforce Academy North America coursework helps participants develop the technical knowledge to be certified to work in Canada’s water and wastewater industry, which is projected to have thousands of new openings in the near future:
- National average pay sits around $58,103 to $72,952 per year, with entry-level positions starting near $44,850 and experienced operators earning upwards of $80,350+ per year.
- New technologies, aging infrastructure, climate change and evolving regulatory requirements are increasing the need for qualified water and wastewater professionals.
The program is being rolled out in Ontario first and then across the country through partnerships with provincial water and wastewater associations to pursue certifications for the program by respective provincial certification offices. In Ontario, the online training aligns with the requirements of the Ontario Water & Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO). Aspiring operators can gain foundational knowledge to help prepare for entry-level certification, while current professionals can use the program to support their career development and pursue higher-level certifications.
The self-paced digital format makes the training accessible to participants across Ontario, including those in smaller and remote communities. It also provides municipalities and utilities with an additional resource to support recruitment, onboarding and employee development.
“Access to quality, no-cost training is essential for smaller municipalities that may not have the resources to develop their own operator training programs,” said Fontana-Giusti. “Veolia Workforce Academy North America helps level the playing field and ensures communities of all sizes can attract and develop qualified water and wastewater professionals.”
Featured image: (Veolia)
