FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KANSAS CITY, MO—The American Public Works Association (APWA) is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as an O*NET ally by the US Department of Labor. O*NET is the nation’s primary source of occupational information. Being an ally allows APWA to participate in the data collection shown in the database, ensuring APWA is part of the national conversation regarding public works careers, alongside employers, educators, and career counselors. Supporting accessible, accurate public works data aligns with APWA’s strategic priorities and initiatives regarding the visibility of public works as a profession.
O*NET resources play a vital role in helping individuals identify training and job opportunities, and enabling employers to connect with the skilled workers needed to remain competitive. Having reliable public works occupational profiles will help more individuals see public works as a viable career path.
APWA will be featured prominently in the Sources of Additional Information on O*NET OnLine and will be able to display the O*NET Ally tag on its website. APWA will also be added to the O*NET Ally listing, which is published in a special section of the O*NET Resource Center. The Ally listing is updated quarterly.
“Being chosen to be an O*NET ally is a great honor,” said APWA President Vic Bianes, PE. “It provides confirmation of public works as critical to the communities we serve. Public works teams manage over 70% of US roads and vital infrastructure, yet the public is not aware of the role we perform. We look forward to helping O*NET with data collection efforts and enhancing the public works occupational listings.”
Federal workforce dollars are often tied to the occupations listed in O*NET. Highlighting careers in public works will allow the public works industry the opportunity to access these dollars if they choose.
“We are excited to receive this recognition because it signals to our members, partners, and prospective professionals entering the field that APWA is actively engaged in efforts that elevate the visibility of public works careers,” said APWA Chief Executive Officer Scott D. Grayson, CAE.
For additional information about APWA, please contact Corinne Watts, Career and Workforce Development Manager, at cwatts@apwa.org or by phone at (816) 595-5250.
About APWA
The American Public Works Association (apwa.org) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and knowledge exchange. APWA was recently named one of the “2026 Best Nonprofits to Work For” by The NonProfit Times. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has an office in Washington, DC, and 62 chapters and 97 branches throughout North America.
Jared Shilhanek
Chief Growth Officer
(816) 595-5257
jshilhanek@apwa.org
