By 2025, millennials are projected to constitute 75% of the global workforce, signaling a significant generational shift as baby boomers retire. Contrary to prevailing stereotypes about their work ethic, millennials are proving to be among the most industrious generations. A notable 26% of millennials are juggling two or more jobs, and 73% are clocking in over 40 hours per week to their work commitments.
Already solidified in their careers, the next generation is in the workplace to stay, but which industries they will thrive in is anyone’s guess. While every industry must find its own way to adapt, the water treatment industry is notable in this transition due to its reliance on established businesses and many veterans of the industry who will or have already reached retirement age.
If your organization is not adapting to meet the needs of the next generation, you will likely be playing catch up compared to your peers. There are many organizations in the industry paving the way, and ETI sets a shining example.
ETI’s Mentoring Model
I interviewed Gary Reggiani, President of Eastern Technologies, Inc. (ETI), AWT’s 2023 Supplier of the Year, who offers a thoughtful take on welcoming younger generations into the industry. He often hears opinions on how different the next generation is, usually cast in a less favorable light. His take? “Of course, they are different.” He further explained that each generation brings unique qualities, especially noting the tech-savviness of today’s youth.
Rather than leaning into stereotypes, Reggiani believes the differences often boil down to individual upbringings rather than broad generational traits. He points out the diligent work ethic of many young individuals, dispelling the myth of entitlement. This is exemplified by two brothers who recently hired into the industry, Kegan and Gunnar Lilly (aged 26 and 23), who exhibit an “old school personality” characterized by a strong commitment to hard work and merit-based advancement.
But we’ll hear more on their journey later, from Kegan and Gunnar themselves.
To properly develop and integrate emerging talent into water treatment, ETI emphasizes mentoring and training. For example, in January 2024, five of their youngest employees became certified as internal auditors for ETI’s ISO quality management program.
To achieve results like these, ETI’s commitment to developing the next generation had to begin many years ago. To combat the challenge of attracting younger employees to this sector, ETI launched a bi-annual boot camp to deeply engage participants with fundamental water treatment principles. The program focuses on fundamental concepts and described as “drinking from a firehose” over a span of three days, significantly boosting the participants’ competency and confidence.
Beyond the boot camp, ETI also provides a 17-week course, lead by ETI’s Steve Wood, aimed at preparing individuals for the Certified Water Technologist (CWT) exam, further showcasing their dedication to thorough education and professional growth.
Reflecting on his 25-year career at ETI, Reggiani has observed numerous professionals flourish in this field, highlighting viable and fulfilling career paths available in the water treatment industry. He is firm in his belief that quality mentoring and training for younger professionals will cultivate long-term engagement and satisfaction within the industry.
Brothers in Water Treatment
Now let’s delve into the story of Kegan and Gunnar Lilly, brothers making strides in water treatment together who I had the pleasure of speaking with.
Immediately after high school, Kegan was employed fixing potholes when the mayor of the town introduced him to an opportunity at the local water treatment plant. His commitment to the plant lasted six years, a period marked by professional growth and a deepening interest in water treatment.
A colleague encouraged him to broaden his horizons within water management, after which Kegan decided to further his education, earning both a Bachelor’s and an Associate Degree in water treatment. His path led him to Hocking College’s Water and Wastewater Management Program in Nelsonville, Ohio—a choice that later inspired his younger brother, Gunnar, to follow suit.
Soon after joining Environmental Water LTD, the brothers engaged in ETI’s boot camp, which was packed with comprehensive resources and networking opportunities. This experience, undertaken by Kegan in the spring of 2023 and Gunnar later that fall, was described as “intense, but immensely rewarding,” providing them with a solid foundation that they continue to draw upon in their fieldwork.
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of their development, with Kegan playing a dual role as both brother and mentor to Gunnar. Their frequent discussions underscore a shared commitment and passion for water treatment, driven by the meaningful impact of their work on public health and safety.
The brothers view the influx of young talent into the industry as a vital source of innovation and diversity, which introduces new perspectives on system treatment as well as underlining the importance of modern technologies such as cybersecurity in modern times.
Kegan and Gunnar participate in outreach efforts at colleges and career fairs, aiming to attract a diverse range of candidates in age, academic background, and skills. They also encourage industry veterans to embrace and support emerging professionals in meaningful ways.
I think we better take their advice. After all, they are the future of water treatment.
