Mayor Scott and Department of Public Works Director Mitchell Launch B’More WISE

Thursday Dec 8th, 2022

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

Mayor Scott and Department of Public Works Director Mitchell Launch B’More WISE

First cohort of new workforce development program introduced
during special event at City Hall

Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Jason W. Mitchell, Ed.D., to launch B’More WISE – the Baltimore Water Infrastructure Strategic Educational Program. B’More WISE provides technical-based training to Baltimore residents dedicated to pursuing long-term careers in the water and wastewater industries as licensed water and wastewater operators.

“B’More WISE is going to be a game-changer, not just for DPW, but for our residents of all ages looking to build a career in an in-demand field,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This program is an example of the power of collaboration to both enhance our workforce and positively impact City operations.”

Members of the first B’More WISE cohort were welcomed to the program during a “signing day” ceremony held in City Hall. Young adults, veterans, recent high school graduates, individuals returning from incarceration, and residents who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to apply. The program is open to residents 18 years or older with a high school diploma.

“Water and wastewater industry jobs can change the lives of residents across our city and provide a new trajectory for their families for generations to come,” said Director Jason W. Mitchell, Ed.D. “B’More Wise is how DPW is being proactive in addressing the staffing challenges seen industry-wide. This program will grow and train talent right here in Baltimore to ensure DPW remains ‘Best in Class’ for years to come.”

B’MORE WISE will help DPW build its own homegrown pipeline of qualified talent in the water and wastewater industry. Understanding industry staffing challenges, DPW Bureau of Water and Wastewater Head Yosef Kebede, P.E., and his dedicated staff spearheaded B’More WISE. The Bureau has been working with strategic partners to introduce the program to the Baltimore City School System and area non-profits to develop the program. The B’More WISE curriculum is comprised of water-wastewater operations, general public works, and construction industry training.

Strategic program partners include ROCA and Park Heights Renaissance, Jumpstart; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Baltimore City Public Schools; and the Maryland Department of Labor Licensing and Regulations. To develop the curriculum, DPW partnered with engineering firms KCI Technologies Inc., Greeley and Hansen, Hazen and Sawyer, RK&K, and the non-profit Juxtopia, which works to improve STEM proficiency in the workplace.

For more information on the B’More WISE program, please send an email to DPW.BMoreWISE@baltimorecity.gov.

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