One new company, Birmingham Water Works Board (BWW) was inducted into the Training Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of 17 other organizations named to the hall since its inception in 2008. These 18 companies earned Top 10 spots on the Training APEX Awards list for four consecutive years. BWW was formally inducted into the Training Hall of Fame during the black-tie Gala held February 13 during the Training 2023 Conference & Expo. Members remain in the Training Hall of Fame for a minimum of three years. They can remain in the Hall of Fame by adhering to specific guidelines or they can opt to reapply for Training APEX Awards consideration.
Birmingham Water Works Board
Birmingham Water Works (BWW) is the largest water system in Alabama, serving more than 655,000 residents in five counties around the Birmingham metro region, including its wholesale water systems servicing an additional population of 115,000. The organization operates four water treatment plants and a certified testing laboratory. Some 4,000-plus miles of pipe in its distribution network deliver on average 100 million gallons of water per day.
As a water utility, BWW fully understands that water is a fundamental human need for hydration, food production, and sanitization. In order to provide the highest quality water to its customers, it must have the “highest quality employees.” The ongoing development of employees and the effective utilization of their talents are keys to creating excellence. BWW’s goal is to get the “right people” in the “right roles” with the “right skills” at the “right time.” BWW’s Training team empowers its employees through each phase of their careers. It onboards new hires so they start strong, grows employees’ skills for greater impact, develops them to succeed in their career path, and engages them to successfully meet company goals and objectives.
Just as BWW uses its pipelines to supply its customers with water, the Training team designed its “L.E.A.D. Pipeline” to develop employees to reach their full potential. Instead of overwhelming employees with a menu of training options, BWW gives them a map. Each level in the pipeline equips employees with the competencies to succeed, from leading oneself to leading individuals, teams, departments, and the organization. Each level includes training to grow their expertise in leadership, customer service, compliance, safety, and technical skills. By mapping out each pipeline level, people can readily identify where they are and envision their next steps for future growth.
Zig Ziglar noted, “You don’t build a business. You build people—and then people build the business.” The BWW team ensures that its communities have a continuous flow of clean, dependable drinking water. Its scientists and technicians analyze more than 100,000 water quality tests each year to ensure the quality and safety of the drinking water. BWW consistently exceeds the Alabama Department of Environment Management (ADEM) requirements for water quality. In 2022, BWW surpassed the minimum standards for microbial contaminants by 89 percent—decreasing the legislated minimum of 5 percent contaminants down to .55 percent. The high standards achieved by its water treatment plants have earned BWW recognition and multiple awards—including the AWPCA Best Operated Plant Award and Partnership for Safe Water Award of Excellence.
Click here to see the Hall of Fame members.
