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    • Member Directory >
      • Digital Flipbook
    • Sponsors
    • Annual Magazine
    • Worker's Comp Program >
      • Group Rating Safety Accountability
    • Industry Photo Contest
  • Assistance
    • Technical Assistance >
      • LSL Replacement
      • Asset Management
    • Industry Resources >
      • ARPA
      • AWIA
      • COVID-19
      • PFAS
    • Affinity+ Program
    • CCR Postings
    • ORWA's Online Store
  • Training
    • Calendar of Training Events
    • Customized Training
    • Online Learning
    • Interested In Teaching?
  • Events
    • Annual Conference >
      • Exhibitors
      • Golf Outing
      • Ultimate Meter Challenge
      • Water Taste Contest
    • Fall Operator Expo >
      • Sportsman's Outing
    • Quarterly Meetings
    • NRWA Conference
  • Legislative
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Apprenticeship Program

About ORWA's Apprenticeship Program

Over the next decade, the water sector is expected to lose between 30 and 50 percent of the workforce to retirement. To combat disproportionate retirement, ORWA has partnered with the National Rural Water Association and ApprenticeOhio to develop an Apprenticeship Program that will offer Ohioans two career paths – Water System Operation Specialist and Wastewater System Operation Specialist.
Minimum Requirements for Apprentices:
​

1. At least 18 years of age
2. High school diploma, GED or equivalent
3. Physically capable of performing essential functions
4. Take and pass drug screen
5. Pass a background check
6. Valid state issued driver’s license
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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
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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

​​​​Documents:
ORWA Apprenticeship Brochure
​
Apprenticeship Facts Sheet
​Apprenticeship FAQ
Helpful Links:
​NRWA Apprenticeship
ApprenticeOhio
​NextThought

    Contact our Apprenticeship Coordinator
    Please fill out the form to be added to the list of interested systems and applicants.

Submit

​Program Partners:
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​Copyright © 2020 Ohio Rural Water Association​
55 Whites Road - Zanesville, OH 43701
Phone: (740) 455-3911 | ORWA@ohioruralwater.org
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