ARWO Liquid Knowledge Webinar: Kelly Graplar to Speak on Workforce Development
Among the challenges to regional water organizations today, workforce challenges stand apart for their ability to worsen the effects of all other challenges.
In an interview ahead of her webinar presentation, Kelly Graplar, who is the Deputy CEO at Iowa Lakes Regional Water (ILRW), says the water and wastewater industry has an opportunity to become an employer of choice.
The award-winning programs of ILRW, in Spencer, Iowa, are the basis of the next ARWO Liquid Knowledge Webinar, Workforce Development in the Heartland (and in Your Land!), on Wednesday, October 9, from 1 to 2 pm EDT. ILRW is innovating to recruit, train and retain employees, specifically working parents, veterans and students, to its workforce.
Graplar leads human resources and employee leadership and development initiatives, among others for ILRW. She has more than 23 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry and holds a Bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in human resources.
ARWO: What is the "big idea" of your talk?
Graplar: The water and wastewater industry acknowledges we’re behind, and it’s time to make the chess moves to entice potential applicants to grow curiosity and interest in our game. There’s so much we can teach about the industry, and so much we must learn, all while enjoying the experience.
What’s different or surprising compared to what your peers may have heard before? Or how they may have approached it before?
We’re currently within a culture shift, adapting to a different way of viewing our work environment, utilizing staff skill sets, and communicating with each other with civility. We’re navigating in uncharted territories, at least in our area. This creates both natural hesitation and excitement.
What are you worried about, wondering or excited about as it relates to the workforce?
If our industry continues to move forward with the status quo, we will miss out on so much opportunity for all. Our industry will suffer, as many are already recognizing the pain points they are experiencing. I’m excited to keep talking and brainstorming the many opportunities right in front of us. We just need to be willing to be open-minded and give “different” a chance.
If one of your peers asked you, “What's in it for me?", how would you respond?
Everyone should continue to elevate learning opportunities to gain new skills, knowledge, and abilities, especially from mentors and experts. Then, in return, mentor the incoming and aged workforce. It’s so valuable to treat peers with respect, no matter their level of knowledge, skills and abilities, and help them feel they belong. Ultimately, we all succeed.
Finish the sentence: My talk will have been a success if someone asks me ____.
“What’s next?”
Register now to attend the webinar – even if you can’t join us for the live event. We’ll email a replay link to all registrants.
ARWO would like to thank the sponsor of this webinar, CoBank.
