Building From Within: Clark Water Celebrates Pipefitter Training Program Graduation

On September 4, 2025, the Clark Water Pipefitter Training Program celebrated its inaugural graduating class. 

Ten graduates and their families joined Clark executives and project leads for a ceremony honoring their hard work and perseverance. In recognition of completing the program, graduates each received a Milwaukee Tool Packout rolling storage dolly full of critical items, including a Pipetrade construction calculator and pipefitter hand tools, to use in their careers.

The Clark Water Pipefitter Training Program is a 16-month curriculum that combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning to help highly motivated employees gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to advance in their careers. Throughout the program, participants met twice a month to gain expertise in the installation and maintenance of piping systems, including equipment and materials, installation means and methods, safety measures, and more. Live training opportunities were onsite at the Noman M. Cole Water Recycling Facility in Lorton, Virginia, where Clark Water currently has four active projects underway. 

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Kris Manning, Chief Operations Officer for Clark’s Infrastructure Group, highlighted the training benefits for team members’ career development, noting, “this program is an example of the Company’s commitment to your personal growth and is designed to challenge you while also providing you with the opportunity to advance your skills and work towards your career dreams."

The Pipefitter Training Program is just one element of the company’s holistic investment in the growth and development of its craft workforce. “Investing in the next generation of pipefitters is a dual investment. It helps our people grow their skills and, in turn, allows us to provide our customers with the best possible service and products,” said Jon McKeon, co-developer of the program and construction executive for Clark Water’s operations in Northern Virginia.

Program graduate Sandra Moreira shared reflections on her experience during the graduation event.

“[The program] gave us the confidence to know we could take on all this work. Each one of us worked hard, and the moment demanded our best. We aren’t just building water systems; we are making our communities stronger.” 

- Sandra Moreira, Pipefitter Training Program Graduate

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The second cohort of the Pipefitter Training Program is currently underway and expected to be completed in March 2026. With each class, Clark Water adapts and expands its programming to provide more trainees with the skills and knowledge needed to build successful craft working careers.