The Trust for the Americas Launches SCADA Training Program to Strengthen Water Sector Workforce in El Paso
El Paso, Texas – October 2025. With one in three water sector employees nearing retirement and more than 10,000 new openings projected each year, initiatives that reskill and upskill professionals in this sector are critical. In this context, The Trust for the Americas, in partnership with Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB), Western Technical College and El Paso Water, officially launched the first training cohort of Skills for Sustainability (S4S) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) training program in El Paso, Texas, a cutting-edge initiative funded by the North American Development Bank (NADBank), Workforce Solutions Borderplex, and Texas Workforce Commission to address the growing demand for skilled technicians in the water sector. “This program is about more than technical training; it is about creating opportunities for our residents to thrive in the industries that keep our region moving,” said Leila Melendez, Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions Borderplex. “Through collaboration and innovation, we are building a workforce that reflects the strength, skill, and resilience of the Borderplex community and advancing our region’s position as a leader in sustainable, technology-driven growth.” The program aims to upskill individuals with electronics engineering backgrounds to meet the increasing need for expertise in SCADA system operations, integration, and diagnostics. Combining classroom instruction, lab sessions, and hands-on field experience, S4S equips participants with both the technical proficiency and professional readiness needed for immediate employment in modern water utilities. “This program exemplifies how collaboration between education, industry, and workforce partners can produce real results for communities,” said Jorge Márquez, Project Manager at The Trust for the Americas. “Together, we’re ensuring that our workforce is prepared for the technologies driving sustainable water management.” For the Borderplex region, SCADA certification represents both a strategic and inclusive investment in the local workforce. As industries across water, energy, and manufacturing adopt smarter and more automated systems, the need for skilled technicians capable of managing, monitoring, and securing these technologies continues to grow. This training not only supports the modernization of critical infrastructure but also creates pathways to sustainable, high-skilled employment that strengthen both the regional economy and the resilience of border communities. “The S4S SCADA program benefits the community by cultivating a pipeline for a skilled workforce to fill critical positions and build careers for participants,” said John Balliew, President and CEO of El Paso Water. “We are grateful to The Trust for the Americas, NADBank, Workforce Solutions, and Western Tech for turning a workforce challenge into a shared success.” “At Western Technical College, we take pride in supporting the training of the technicians of tomorrow, working hand in hand with our partners to bridge the skills gap in the workforce and prepare today’s learners to become tomorrow’s leaders,” said John Nunez, Cuztomized Training Director of Western Tech. A total of 37 participants will complete the SCADA training program by mid-2026, beginning with the first cohort of 9 trainees, who started on September 29, 2025, and will transition directly into positions at El Paso Water following graduation on November 13, 2025. Skills for Sustainability (S4S), an initiative of The Trust for the Americas, empowers communities through workforce training that drives sustainable infrastructure and equitable economic growth. The SCADA Training Program stands as a strategic investment in the future of water system operations, bridging the gap between technical education and employment. By equipping participants with high-demand IT and automation skills, the program not only responds to regional workforce needs but also strengthens the capacity and resilience of utilities that are vital to sustainable water management across the border region. *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada. More information: www.thetrustfortheamericas.org
