FRWA's Apprenticeship Program

The NRWA Apprenticeship Program, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides guideline standards of apprenticeship to State Rural Water Associations for the adoption and approval of standardized registered apprenticeship training in their respective state. NRWA Staff provides assistance and training to the State Apprenticeship Coordinator and a suite of tools to assist in the administration of their programs. With little to no cost, apprentices will attend an approximate 2-year training program made up of classroom technical instruction and on-the-job training, providing apprentices the tools necessary to become successful operations specialists in their communities. During the apprenticeship program, apprentices will earn-while-they-learn with knowledgeable, passionate people who strive to deliver clean drinking water to their community and treat wastewater before returning to the environment. Students start the program with a job and emerge with a solid and secure career as either a Water Operations Specialist or Wastewater Operations Specialist.  

Benefits of Apprenticeship 

Earn & Learn: From their first day of work, apprentices receive a paycheck that is guaranteed to increase as their training progresses. Apprentices also complete a combination of job-related instruction and hands-on training at the job site leading to a nationally-recognized, portable credential. 

Hands-On Career Training: Apprentices receive practical on-the-job training resulting in improved skills and competencies as well as the potential to earn college credit toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. 

A Career: Once the apprenticeship is complete, workers are on their way to a successful long-term career with a competitive salary and little or no educational debt.

National credential: When an apprentice graduates from a career training program, he or she earns a certified portable credential accepted by industries and employers across the nation. 

Community Impact: Apprenticeship offers an opportunity for the apprentice to make a difference in their own communities. They will be providing clean water to their family and friends. That is surely something to take pride in! 

FRWA will start a new Water Apprenticeship class in November.

If you or someone you know would be interested, please email apprenticeship@frwa.net or visit https://nrwa.org/apprenticeship-program/ for more information.