Kansas Rural Water Association > TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE > Apprenticeship Program
Friday, September 29, 2023
     
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  >  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, KRWA has partnered with the National Rural Water Association to develop an Apprenticeship Program that will offer Kansans two career paths – Water System Operation Specialist and Wastewater System Operation Specialist. 

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Non-Discrimination Policy: The Kansas Rural Water Association 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 Kansas Rural Water Association 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.

Benefits for Systems​

Many of Kansas’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. Pay the apprentice's wages
  3. Take advantage of KRWA's Program Coordinator to resolve concerns and ensure best outcome for apprentice ​
  4. Strongly consider retaining apprentices following program completion

Benefits for Apprentices

Water and Wastewater System Operators help provide safe drinking water to millions of Kansans 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 KRWA
  3. Be employed or be willing to become employed by a Participating Member System
  4. Complete the 2-year program:
    4,000 on-the-job training hours
    288 related instruction hours

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

For More Information Contact:
Monica Wurtz
KRWA Apprenticeship Coordinator
monica@krwa.net
785-262-7301