The Elkins Wastewater Apprenticeship program provides hands-on, on-the-job training to become a qualified wastewater treatment plant operator, focusing on tasks like monitoring equipment, collecting samples, adjusting chemical treatments, maintaining machinery, and recording operational data. The program combines supervised practical experience with formal instruction to develop the necessary technical skills and knowledge for a career in a complex, vital, and physically demanding field, leading to state certifications and employment opportunities upon completion.

The Elkins Wastewater Apprenticeship program is open to eligible candidates with a minimum age of 16 and older (apprentices must be 18 upon completion of the program). The program will incorporate a 26-month on-site paid work program for apprenticeships to receive 2028HRS of experience to receive the WV Class I Wastewater Certification. During the 26-month program hours are set at approximately 18HRS/Week. 

Such activities that apprentices will be involved in are as follows but not limited to: wastewater treatment practices and activities and workings; field work related to line installation (plumbing) and lift station maintenance; combined sewer data retrieval and application; wastewater laboratory practices and applications; global identification system (GIS) application and data retrieval; engineering specification assessments and contracting project reviews; function of municipal government actions; land application of biosolids from wastewater activities; regulatory reviews and inspections; and general maintenance activities

Key Aspects of the Wastewater Apprenticeship Program:

• On-the-Job Training: Apprentices learn by doing, working alongside experienced operators to perform routine tasks and handle increasingly complex duties.
• Supervised Work: All activities are performed under the guidance of experienced personnel, ensuring proper techniques and safety protocols are followed.
• Formal Instruction: the program includes formal coursework to teach foundational skills and prepare apprentices for entry-level certifications.
• Skill Development: Apprentices gain proficiency in operating and maintaining plant equipment, monitoring process variables, and understanding the chemistry and biology of wastewater treatment.

Typical Apprenticeship Tasks and Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation: Operating valves, pumps, and other machinery to process and clarify wastewater.
• Sample Collection & Testing: Collecting water and sewage samples for testing, including basic physical, chemical, and microbiological tests.
• Chemical Treatment: Adding and monitoring chemicals for disinfection, deodorization, and treatment as directed.
• Monitoring & Data Recording: Reading gauges, recording meter readings, and logging operational data.
• Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance and repairs on plant equipment and facilities.
• Safety Protocols: Learning and applying industrial safety practices and how to use personal protective equipment.

Career Path and Benefits

• Career Advancement: Apprenticeships provide a pathway to becoming a fully qualified operator with opportunities for advancement in the wastewater/environmental science industry.
• Certifications and Licenses: Successful completion of the program leads to state certifications and licenses, which are essential for career progression.
• Skill Specialization: Programs may offer elective courses to align with an apprentice's specific learning needs or the requirements of their utility.
• Stable Career: A career as a wastewater operator offers job security, as it's a vital service essential to public health and the environment.

The total cost of the Elkins Wastewater Apprenticeship program is $60,000. $60,000 (100%) is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor –Employment and Training Administration grant.