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Arkansas Rural Water Association Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship scenes The water sector is expected to lose around half of its workforce to retirement over the next decade. Many of these employees have spent most of their careers with the same utility, and they will leave with decades of valuable knowledge.

Arkansas Rural Water Association (ARWA) has dedicated time and resources to develop an efficient training program so apprentices can, through a systematic program of related instruction and on-the-job learning, become well-qualified Water System Operations Specialists.

What is a Water System Operations Specialist?

Water Systems Operations Specialists ensure the quality of water resources and protect public health, providing critical services to their communities. They protect our environment and ensure the health and safety of its citizens by providing access to safe and affordable drinking water.

The Arkansas Rural Water Association (ARWA) Apprenticeship program will be the assurance of health, safety, and uninterrupted service to the communities involved.

What are the Benefits of the Apprenticeship program?

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

Hands-on career training: Apprentices receive practical on-the-job training resulting in improved skills and competencies.

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

National credential: When an apprentice completes the apprenticeship program, he or she earns a certified credential accepted by industries and employers across the nation.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • be no less than 18 years of age
  • have a high school diploma or GED
  • be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program
  • pass a drug screening
  • pass a background check
  • possess a valid Driver’s License

What are the Program Requirements?

Apprentices shall receive on-the-job training and related technical instruction as is necessary to become a qualified Water Systems Operations Specialist versed in the theory and practice of the occupation. The following is a condensed schedule that every apprentice shall follow as closely as conditions will permit.

  • 4,000 hours of On-the-Job Training (approximately 2 years)
  • Tools, Equipment and Workplace Safety
  • Vehicles and Specialized Equipment
  • System Operations & Maintenance
  • Quality Control
  • Logistics, Reports, and Supervision

288 hours of Related Technical Instruction over a 2-year period

Year 1 Curriculum

  • Orientation
  • Water Specialist Basic Math
  • Introduction to Small Water Systems
  • Water Specialist
  • Advanced Math
  • Basic Distribution
  • Basic Treatment
  • Intermediate Distribution
  • Distribution Systems
  • Drinking-Water Rules & Regulations

Year 2 Curriculum

  • Financial Sustainability & Capacity Development
  • Managerial Sustainability & Capacity Development
  • Small Water Systems
  • Distribution Systems
  • Intermediate Treatment
  • Advanced Treatment
  • Advanced Distribution

Are you interested as an employer or water operator?

To start the application process, please call our office at (501) 676-2255 or email MarshaS@arwa.net for more information.

APPLY NOW

Apprenticeships Work!

The Arkansas Rural Water Association will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older.  The sponsor will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.

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Next Training/Events

May
28
Wed
all-day Scholarship Golf Tournament | Ma... @ Hurricane Creek Golf Course
Scholarship Golf Tournament | Ma... @ Hurricane Creek Golf Course
May 28 all-day
Click Here for Information & Registration
May
29
Thu
all-day Treatment & Distribution Exam Re... @ ARWA Training Center
Treatment & Distribution Exam Re... @ ARWA Training Center
May 29 all-day
*NO TRAINING HOURS GIVEN*
Jun
3
Tue
all-day Henard Utility Products Badger M... @ ARWA Training Center
Henard Utility Products Badger M... @ ARWA Training Center
Jun 3 all-day
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Jun
9
Mon
all-day Class III Wastewater | June 9-13... @ ARWA Training Center
Class III Wastewater | June 9-13... @ ARWA Training Center
Jun 9 – Jun 13 all-day
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Jun
10
Tue
all-day Advanced Water Treatment | June ... @ Clarksville Light & Operations Center
Advanced Water Treatment | June ... @ Clarksville Light & Operations Center
Jun 10 – Jun 12 all-day
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ARWA Headquarters

240 Dee Dee Lane
Lonoke, AR 72086-8156
Tel: (501) 676-2255
Fax: (501) 676-2266

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 860
Lonoke, AR 72086

Email: info@arwa.net

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