On behalf of Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, members of his staff went the 71 Colton Street Operations Center today to visit with the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC) and the twelve Springfield high school students participating in the Commission’s workforce development “Pipeline Program” this summer.
Mayor Sarno’s Communications Director Molly Shea and Deputy Communications Director Rose McCaffrey joined with SWSC Executive Director Josh Schimmel, Director of Water Operations at the West Parish Filters Christina Jones, Springfield Public Schools Career Pathway & Internship Administrator Pam Mathison, Kelly Olanyk from Veolia North America, and Sean Gonsalves from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) on Thursday morning for a leadership panel and to share career pathways with the Pipeline students.
Twelve Springfield resident high schoolers representing eight different schools are participating in the Commission’s paid summer internship program this year, exploring careers in water, wastewater, engineering, environmental science, technology, and more. The students shared
“I commend the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission for creating these opportunities for Springfield youth to gain valuable work experience and learn more about career opportunities right here in our local community,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
“Our pipeline students are gaining valuable skills they can take almost anywhere,” continued the Mayor. “Every community has some type of water and sewer infrastructure and need skilled workers to upgrade and maintain our crucial water systems. Many former SWSC Pipeline Program students are furthering their studies in this field in college or apprenticeship training programs. They are building great careers for themselves and doing important work to serve the public. Water is essential to our daily life here in Springfield and we rely on dedicated public servants like the men and women of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission to keep our water flowing. Thank you to this year’s cohort of pipeline students for your service this summer, and wishing you well on your career journeys.”
Launched in 2023, the Pipeline Program is a paid summer internship that introduces high school students to careers in drinking water, wastewater, engineering, environmental science, and public works. As the Commission advances these major infrastructure upgrades, developing the next generation of skilled water professionals to serve our community is more important than ever. The Pipeline Program is connecting young people in our region to rewarding, long-lasting careers that support daily life, public health, and the environment.
All Springfield Public School students in 10th, 11th & 12th grades are encouraged to apply for the SWSC Summer Pipeline Program. Applications usually open in January. Learn about the program: https://waterandsewer.org/education/pipeline-program/
