All classes meet the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) requirements for continuing education for licensed water and wastewater operators. Instructors are a combination of experts with years of training in the water and wastewater industry as well as instructors who hold current operator licenses in the State of Indiana. Instructor bios are available and provided to IDEM for CEU approval for each class.
Job Overview Water Systems Operations Specialist apprentices must complete high school or equlivalency. Once an apprenticeship starts, the apprentice completes at least 288 hours of technical training and 4,000 hours of on-the-job paid training. After a person has finished an apprenticeship program, they are considered a journey worker and can do tasks unsupervised, making this individual able to look for Water/Wastewater Systems Operations Specialist jobs.The State of Indiana requires Systems Operations Specialists to pass an aptitude test and receive licensure.
As part of RTI, apprentices receive direct instruction on workplace hazard recognition, risk mitigation, and OSHA-aligned safety practices specific to the water and wastewater industry. Instruction emphasizes the correct use of PPE required for classroom simulations, laboratory exercises, and field-based training. Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, safety boots and muck boots, hard hats, gloves, eye and face protection, high-visibility safety apparel, protective harnesses, hearing protection, and respiratory equipment. Access to this equipment during RTI is necessary for apprentices to actively participate in hands-on instructional activities and demonstrate competency in required safety procedures.
A high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) equivalency or otherhigh school equivalency credential is required. Applicants must submit a DD-214 to verify military training and/or experience if they are a veteran and wish to receive consideration for such training/experience. Applicants will be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program, with or without a reasonable accommodation, and without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual or others. Apprentices will be required to take and pass a drug screening on acceptance into the program and prior to employment.Pursuant to federal guidance all employees of public water systems must pass a background check. Applicants will be required to pass a qualifying background investigation upon selection into the apprenticeship program and prior to employment. Apprentices must possess a valid state issued vehicle operator license and be insurable at normal commercial rates on acceptance into the program and prior to employment. Apprentices "MUST" work at a utility under a licensed operator for the duration of the 2 year program.
Apprentices applications are accepted at any time during the year. Apprentices are then matched with approved employers. Upon match and completion of the hiring process, the apprentice commences the On the Job Training and Related Instruction portion of the apprenticeship. Apprentices are only accepted into the program in January and July of each year.