Water & Wastewater Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Programs
Preparing Today’s Apprentices for Tomorrow’s Water Challenges
Communities across the nation rely on highly skilled Water and Wastewater Operations Specialists to deliver safe drinking water and to ensure treated wastewater is returned to the environment responsibly. Yet with nearly half of the current workforce expected to retire within the next decade—and even sooner in many areas—the water sector faces a critical shortage of certified operators. As technology advances, regulations evolve, and populations grow, the demand for well-trained, forward-thinking professionals continues to rise. Without replacing and properly training these essential workers, communities cannot prosper and may struggle to meet even their most basic needs. Apprenticeships play a vital role in bridging this gap—preparing the next generation to step into these crucial positions and safeguard our most valuable resource: clean water.
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WHY APPRENTICESHIP?
Our nationally recognized training program was developed in response to the industry’s need to train the next generation of skilled workers and standardize training across the state of Indiana. Once an Apprentice completes this 2-year program and passes an aptitude test given by the State of Indiana, he or she is considered a journey worker and can do tasks unsupervised, making this person employable as a Systems Operations Specialist in the Water / Wastewater Industry.
Apprentice Benefits
- Earn While You Learn
- Make A Real Difference In The Community
- Gain Practical Skills You Can Take Anywhere
- Train Alongside An Experienced Technician (2 year program)
- Every community is required to have a certified water / wastewater operations specialist
- Stable / Non-fluctuating Industry
Utility Benefits
- Proven solution to recruit, train, & retain employees
- Replace retiring workforce
- Transfer knowledge from experienced technicians to new apprentice
- 2 years of hands-on training alongside an experienced technician
- Build a relationship with the apprentice
- Ensure well-rounded, highly trained employee is produced
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.
Alliance of Indiana Rural Water Refund Policy for Apprentice Training
Online classes require students to pay upon enrollment and are non-refundable.
On-site training classes are either free, or if a fee is applicable, students are required to prepay. In the event of cancellation, the student will be refunded the registration fee less a $15 administrative fee.
Core Curriculum Tuition is based on 6 month semesters and will be refunded as follows:
1. Before classes start 100% refund
2. Before month two 75% refund
3. Before month three 50% refund
4. After month three 0% refund