The Fusion/Electrofusion of HDPE Water Piping Systems Program has graduated nearly 150 utility professionals and college students from 22 cities nationwide since its inception in 2021. Sponsored by the Municipal Advisory Board, the program teaches proper methods for fusion and electrofusion of high-density polyethylene piping systems for potable and wastewater applications. Heat fusion creates seamless connections that eliminate leaks and joint failures common in traditional piping systems.
Camille George Rubeiz, P.E., co-chair of the MAB and vice president for PPI's Municipal & Industrial Division, noted the program's rapid expansion from one annual session to four, with participants now ranging from Maine to California. "HDPE piping systems offer municipalities significant advantages over aging traditional infrastructure," Rubeiz explained. "The corrosion-proof material eliminates rust-related failures, while heat-fused connections create leak-free joints that prevent loss of non-revenue water."
The training's practical benefits extend beyond technical knowledge to workforce development. The program has expanded to include college students preparing for infrastructure careers, with Carly Wilkerson, a construction engineering student at Purdue University, praising the hands-on approach. "The team aspect of the training was extremely vital in our continuous improvement throughout the process," Wilkerson stated.
Held at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the program features instruction from NWTC's expert staff with decades of field experience. During the summer 2025 session, Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich accepted a certificate of appreciation recognizing the city's support for workforce development programs serving water utility professionals nationwide.
Program feedback consistently highlights the quality of instruction, with trainees citing "hands-on training with instructors who have 25+ years of experience" and describing the curriculum as "informational and fun at the same time." When asked how to improve the class, participants responded with comments like "nothing" and "in my opinion nothing needs to change from what I experienced."
The Municipal Advisory Board maintains its commitment to this initiative, stating it will "continue this initiative to save communities water, defeat numerous water breaks, add skills to grow the local workforce and build a resilient water system." Additional information about the 2026 training schedule is available at https://www.plasticpipe.org/mabpubs.
