CRWA Apprenticeship Program
CRWA Water/Wastewater Specialist apprenticeship program focuses on providing a pathway for employed workers with utilities (incumbent workers) to upgrade and enhance their technical, managerial, and financial understanding and skills in in the operation and management of their local utilities. The program is an approved Department of Labor (DOL) Federally Registered Apprenticeship Program. This program consists of 288 hours of formal training combined with 4000 hours of on-the-job experience in the defined work processes as they are stated in the apprenticeship program application packet.
This two-year program offers a focus on water or wastewater operations. Both tracks provide operators with exposure to both formal classroom and hands-on training with the oversight of an assigned mentor. Apprentices graduate with:
- backflow tester certifications
- eligible for Grade 2 Water Treatment and Distribution exams (water only)
- eligible for Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment exam (wastewater only)
- OSHA-10 safety certifications
The CRWA program is designed to provide qualifications for multiple certifications in operations and safety while providing financial education and a pathway for a utility management certification. The water wastewater specialist program also provides pathways for a one year certification from the CSUS office of water programs and qualifies the apprentice to apply for a 2-year associates degree in water and wastewater management at several California community college programs.
Program Costs
The program costs are $1500 per/year or $3000 for the two-year program. All program expenses are covered in those costs. Apprentices will receive the necessary manuals and training materials which include an in-depth set of elective courses built and designed for the apprenticeship program. Eligibility to sit for state and industry certifications per the state certification requirements will be met by completion of the Apprenticeship Program.
Requirements for Application
- Be over the age of 18.
- Have a GED or high school diploma
- Currently is employed by a water or wastewater system
- Can physically perform all essential functions of the program
- Take and pass drug screening test
- Pass a background test (pursuant to federal guidance for all employees of water systems)
- Must be able to attend all formal training
Apprenticeship Program
