Benefits for Apprentices
Water and Wastewater System Operators help provide safe drinking water to millions of Ohioans and protect our natural waterways. Operators are a vital part of our communities. Without properly trained personnel in these roles communities can suffer. During their training, apprentices will work alongside professional operators, learn skills that can be taken anywhere, and earn a wage while they learn. Participating Apprentices will be expected to:
1. Meet the Minimum Requirements for Apprentices 2. Register as an Apprentice with ORWA 3. Be employed or be willing to become employed by a Participating Member System 4. Complete the 2-year program: 4,000 hours of on-the-job training, and 288 hours of related instruction |
Benefits for Systems
Many of Ohio’s Water and Wastewater Operators have worked at the same utility for most of their career and they will depart with decades of valuable institutional knowledge. These training programs will offer member systems a way to pass down and retain critical skills and knowledge of their water and wastewater systems to the next generation of industry workers. Participating Systems will be expected to:
1. Identify and support an experienced mentor to provide guidance and on-site training to apprentices 2. Utilize the on-site training standards 3. Take advantage of Program Coordinator to resolve concerns and ensure best outcome for apprentice 4. Strongly consider retaining apprentices following program completion |