Many municipalities and board leaders do not realize the time, knowledge and commitment needed to obtain the proper certification to ensure our rural systems have access to clean, safe drinking water. It takes years of on the job experience as well as education to obtain the proper knowledge and certification to properly operate a drinking water or wastewater utility. In addition, recent advancements in water treatment and supply technology have increased the skills and training needed to protect public health and the environment. The combination of on the job training and classroom education make the registered apprenticeship program an excellent fit for our industry.
Water and Wastewater Operations Specialists are imperative to your community for access to clean drinking water and to ensure wastewater effluent is returned to the environment properly. But with close to 50% retiring in the next five years, communities will fail to prosper or eventually even exist if replacements aren’t put in place AND properly trained. A growing population and increased demand for water and wastewater treatment services plus an aging workforce will drive employment growth and qualified, certified Operations Systems Specialists will be in high demand.
The ARWA Apprenticeship Program prepares the apprentice for certification testing in either water or wastewater.
*Full Eligibility Requirements are contained withing the Apprenticeship Standards that govern this program and are located elsewhere. Contact our office to learn more.
1. On-the-Job Training (OJT): An apprentice is typically required to complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of structured on-the-job training (OJT). Apprentices are paid wages while participating in OJT.
2. Related Technical Instruction (RTI): Apprentices must also be engaged in classroom learning that supports their OJT activities. It is recommended that the apprentice complete at least 144 hours of related technical instruction each year. Typically, the employer pays the cost of the RTI, and often also pays wages for the time the apprentice spends in class.
