CIUDAD JUÁREZ, CHIHUAHUA / EL PASO, TEXAS — As the water industry braces for a generational shift, with nearly one-third of its workforce set to retire in the next decade, the North American Development Bank (NADBank) is helping ensure a seamless transition. Through the Skills for Sustainability (S4S) program—developed by The Trust for the Americas and powered by funding from NADBank and Microsoft—a new generation of trained, job-ready water utility operators is already making an impact on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The recent graduation of trainees in Ciudad Juárez and El Paso marks a significant milestone in the program’s trajectory. With 140 hours of intensive, hands-on instruction, S4S is closing the workforce gap while enhancing the operational resilience of regional water utilities.
Meeting a Critical Workforce Need
S4S was conceived in response to urgent forecasts showing a sharp decline in skilled water utility personnel. After 15 months of research and stakeholder collaboration, The Trust for the Americas launched the program with support from NADBank’s Technical Assistance Program. The goal: to equip young professionals with the technical and soft skills needed to maintain vital infrastructure and support sustainable service delivery in binational communities.
A Binational Model for Workforce Development
Operating in El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, S4S is a pioneering cross-border training model. NADBank’s role in facilitating this collaboration underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship and regional capacity building.
In El Paso, the STTE Foundation and Western Tech designed a curriculum tailored to industry standards, while in Ciudad Juárez, Jóvenes Constructores de la Comunidad (JCC) adapted training to local workforce needs. Both tracks include essential math, digital literacy, soft skills, and preparation for the Texas Type-D license certification exam—ensuring graduates are workforce-ready across borders.
Graduates on the Ground, Filling Real Jobs
In September 2023, 57 individuals completed the program in the first binational graduation ceremony. Of those, 40 quickly secured employment with local water utilities and related companies—an early indicator of the program’s success and its alignment with market demands.
To date, the program has trained 346 individuals, with recent cohorts continuing to place graduates into vital roles in the water management sector. These efforts are further amplified through strategic partnerships with leading employers like Junta Municipal de Aguas y Saneamiento de Juárez (JMAS), Water House Group, and multinational companies such as Arca Continental.
Hands-On Experience and Industry Collaboration
Beyond classroom learning, S4S ensures practical training through apprenticeship programs. El Paso Water (EPW) partnered with STTE and The Trust to offer six-month apprenticeships, bridging the gap between training and certification. Similarly, in Ciudad Juárez, JCC works with institutions like CECATI and ICATECH to provide hands-on experience in water systems, plumbing, and hydraulics.
These initiatives form a crucial bridge from training to employment—strengthening the workforce pipeline and helping employers meet demand for skilled operators.
A Sustainable Investment in the Future
Since 2022, NADBank has invested nearly US$500,000 in S4S through its Technical Assistance Program, with total program support exceeding US$716,000 thanks to additional contributions from Microsoft and other partners. This financial commitment underscores a broader strategy: to not only address immediate staffing challenges but to build lasting operational resilience.
Looking ahead, The Trust and JCC plan to train 120 more individuals in Ciudad Juárez by 2025, supported by a US$75,000 grant from Fundación del Empresariado Chihuahuense (FECHAC). Additional expansion efforts are underway, with NADBank and its partners actively seeking new collaborators across the border region.
Join the Effort
With continued support from public and private sectors, the S4S program is laying the foundation for a skilled, sustainable water utility workforce—ensuring that as one generation flows out, another flows confidently in.
To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact The Trust for the Americas or NADBank today. Together, we can shape a sustainable future for water services across the region.
Media Contact:
Jesse J. Hereford
Head of Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
North American Development Bank
P: 210. 231.8000 ext. 4855
C: 210.215.3416
Email: jhereford@nadb.org