Connecticut State Department of Public Health

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control

April 21, 2009                                 Contact:  Beryl Lyons  (860) 827-2670    

                                                       

                                                       Connecticut Department of Public Health

                                                       Contact:  William Gerrish (860) 509-7270

                                                       

                                                       Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

                                                       Contact:  Bruce Wittchen  (860) 418-6323

                                                       

                                                       Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

                                                       Contact:  Dennis Schain   (860) 424-3110           

           

April 22, 2009 Half-Day Forum to Increase Awareness about Career Opportunities in the Drinking Water and Environmental Fields

                                                           

Hartford — The Water Planning Council of Connecticut (WPCC), consisting of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Office of Policy & Management (OPM), the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) will host a free half-day forum to increase awareness about career opportunities in the drinking water and environmental fields. 

 

The “Drinking Water and Environmental Careers” forum will take place on Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at The Farmington Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington, Connecticut.  The forum is being held in celebration of National Drinking Water Week from May 3rd to May 9th, 2009.  The forum will emphasize the need for increased education directed towards career building within the drinking water and environmental industries to address an impending shortage of industry workers.

 

DPUC Commissioner Jack Betkoski, Chairman of the WPCC, stated “the purpose of this event is twofold; first to raise the attendees’ awareness of how important water is to our society and second, to give students an opportunity to explore careers in the water industry.”

 

Presentations will focus on educating high school staff and students about different career choices in these industries and how to pursue them.  Attendees can browse through an exhibitor area to learn about drinking water utilities and the environment, the type of jobs available and the education needed to enter these fields.

 

Attendees will also see live demonstrations of the following:

 

S       Water Main Tapping by Connecticut’s All-Star Team

S       Testing of a Backflow Device

S       A Water Testing Demonstration

S       “Walter the Water Saver”

S       DEP’s Mobile Lab and Geoprobe

 

Exhibitors from various educational institutions that offer courses in related fields will have informational tables on display and staff available to discuss their material.  Students interested in engineering, environmental issues, science, plumbing, electrical and other trades should attend.

 

High school principals, guidance counselors and students across the State of Connecticut were invited to attend this event and have responded with enthusiasm as the event is currently full. 

 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.

 

 

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