Training Victoria’s water future starts with an academy

Greater Western Water and its Training Academy is shaping the next generation with hands-on education, leadership and key partnerships.

Greater Western Water and its Training Academy is shaping the next generation with hands-on education, leadership and key partnerships.

The water industry is ever-evolving and needs a flexible workforce ready to tackle its challenges head-on. Greater Western Water (GWW) is stepping up with its specially designed Training Academy. This initiative is about bridging skill gaps, emphasising safety and helping Melbourne’s west during its exciting growth journey.

Addressing a growing west

Melbourne’s western suburbs are booming, presenting unique challenges for GWW. With every new development, the demand for infrastructure to supply clean drinking water and manage wastewater systems grows. Louise Meadows, Chief People Officer at GWW, believes this growth requires careful planning and investment in people.

“We recognised early on that supporting this growth wouldn’t just be about building infrastructure,” Meadows said. “It’s about having the skilled people to operate and maintain those assets. That’s why the academy was established – to ensure people have the skills to support today’s needs and anticipate future requirements in a growing region.”

Since March 2024, the academy has hosted over 850 participants across more than 50 courses. These programs focus on compliance, safety, and technical expertise, which Meadows described as the pillars of operational delivery.

“We’re equipping our workforce with the practical skills they need while creating pathways for new talent to enter the industry. This dual approach is essential for supporting the west’s rapid growth,” she said.

The academy’s training isn’t limited to new recruits. It supports career transition and development l for experienced workers, ensuring their skills remain relevant as the water industry evolves.

“The water industry is dynamic,” Meadows said. “We need an adaptable workforce ready to tackle technological changes, environmental challenges, and increasing customer expectations.”

Safety through hands-on learning

Safety underpins every activity at GWW, and the academy is no exception. Its purpose-built facilities simulate real-life scenarios, providing participants with practical experience in controlled environments. Meadows emphasised that this hands-on approach is a cornerstone of the academy’s mission.

“Our training programs are grounded in the belief that everyone should go home safe to their families each night,” Meadows said. “The academy allows us to replicate our teams’ conditions in the field or at treatment plants, giving them a safe environment to learn, observe and practise.”

The curriculum prominently features high-risk activities such as entering confined spaces, trenching, and handling hazardous materials. The academy’s state-of-the-art facilities are specifically designed to simulate these conditions.

“We’ve focused on building capability in the highest-risk work activities,” Meadows said. “This ensures that our people are skilled and confident and safe in their roles.”

This focus on safety extends beyond GWW’s immediate workforce. Meadows pointed out that the academy’s programs are open to other water utilities and staff.

“The water industry is highly collaborative,” she said. “By sharing our facilities and expertise, we can help lift safety and training standards across the sector.”

Building partnerships, building skills

Key partnerships bolster the academy’s effectiveness, extending collaborations to educational institutions, schools, and other organisations. Victoria University is one of GWW’s most prominent partners, and Meadows highlighted how their shared focus on Melbourne’s west has driven meaningful outcomes.

“Victoria University shares our commitment to the west’s growth and workforce needs,” Meadows said. “By working together, we can enhance educational outcomes, attract diverse talent and provide students with pathways into water careers.”

This partnership has practical benefits, such as co-using facilities and aligning educational content with industry needs.

“We’re creating a pipeline of skilled professionals,” Meadows said. “Students see the possibilities of a career in water, and we benefit from fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.”

The academy’s partnerships also extend to local schools, including Werribee Secondary College. One notable initiative is the Empowering Women in Trades program, which introduces young women to water-related trades. This program is a crucial step toward diversifying the industry.

“We aim to dispel myths and empower young women to consider opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields,” Meadows said. “Hands-on activities, like using tools and understanding trade roles, give them the confidence to see themselves thriving in these careers.”

These partnerships build skills and strengthen community ties. GWW ensures that local talent is nurtured and retained by engaging with students and schools, supporting the region’s long-term prosperity.

A collaborative vision

GWW is working with others to raise training standards. The academy is part of the Victorian Training Academy Group, which collaborates with the state’s 16 water utilities. This initiative aligns training programs across the sector, ensuring consistency and fostering shared learning. According to Meadows, this collaboration has far-reaching benefits.

“This partnership allows us to benchmark performance and contribute to a unified curriculum,” Meadows said. “By working together, we’re creating a more consistent approach to training and development across the sector.”

The group’s efforts include standardising training modules and sharing best practices, enabling all participants to benefit from the collective expertise of Victoria’s water utilities. “It’s about lifting the entire industry,” Meadows said. “When one utility succeeds, we all succeed.”

The collaborative nature of the water industry extends to the academy’s role as a training hub. Many utilities use its facilities and programs to upskill their teams, a testament to the academy’s reputation for excellence.

“We wanted the academy to be a centre of excellence for training and education,” Meadows said. “That vision is becoming a reality, with utilities across the state turning to us for their training needs.”

Expanding the horizon

While the academy currently focuses on core areas like compliance and operational skills, Meadows envisions expanded offerings. This evolution aligns with GWW’s broader 2030 Strategy, which envisions a strong organisation built on people, partnerships and continuous progress.

“We’re looking to grow the academy’s curriculum to include adjacent technical and professional education, such as project management and engineering,” Meadows said. “These advancements will equip our workforce and the broader water sector with the expertise needed to navigate a rapidly evolving industry.”

This forward-thinking approach reflects GWW’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. By anticipating future workforce needs, the academy is laying the groundwork for a resilient and adaptable industry.

“We’re building the skills of tomorrow, today,” Meadows said. “That’s how we ensure the water industry remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s growth and prosperity.”

Looking ahead

The Greater Western Water Training Academy exemplifies how forward-thinking strategies can address immediate workforce challenges while laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Combining safety, innovation, and collaboration, the academy is more than a training facility – it’s a cornerstone for Melbourne’s water future.

As GWW continues to expand its offerings and strengthen its partnerships, the academy will remain central to its mission of supporting a thriving west. For Meadows and her team, the work is just beginning.

“The water industry never stands still, and neither will we.”

For more information, visit gww.com.au

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