Connecticut Rural Water & Wastewater Association

Apprenticeship Program

The water sector is expected to lose half of its workforce to retirement in the next decade. Many of these employees have spent most of their career with the same utility, and they will leave with decades of valuable knowledge. Our apprenticeship program is designed to educate a new generation of water and wastewater experts. These individuals will be trained by mentors with decades of experience, and they will leave the program with the necessary tools to work as an expert in the water sector.

What Are the Benefits of Apprenticing?

Earn While You Learn — Our program not only matches you with an appropriate utility and mentor to learn from, but you will also be paid a competitive hourly wage. This on-the-job training ensures you will graduate our program with the best possible education and tools to succeed in this field.

Hands-on Career Training — Apprentices will be assisted every step of the way by our educated employers and mentors, and they will be given step-by-step instructions on how to succeed.

Graduate With A Career — After completing our program, you will graduate with an operator’s license. This will allow you to jump right into your future career with a competitive salary and no educational debt.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Apprentices will receive on-the-job training and related technical instruction as is necessary to become a qualified Water Systems Operation Specialist.

This includes 4,000 hours of On-the-Job Training and 288 hours of Related Technical Instruction. The program is designed to be completed in 2 years.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • have a high school diploma or GED

  • pass a drug screening test

  • pass a background test

  • possess a valid Driver’s License

Learn more by visiting the CT Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship resource web page here.