MRWA Apprenticeship Program Billy Everett, Apprenticeship Coordinator Webster’s definition of an apprentice: ap·pren·tice | \ ə-əpren-təs : one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers a trade, art, or calling. According to Labor Statistics…. Over the next decade, the water and wastewater industry is forecasted the need for replacement of upwards to 50% of the certified operators due to retirement. This is a daunting task to accomplish given the ever-increasing competition in the current workforce in Missouri. We are already starting to notice a huge gap of qualified workers across the state. For those that haven’t noticed, there are “HELP WANTED” signs posted everywhere you look. To further expand the gap of qualified workers, some of the advertised starting wages on those signs are higher than the wages of those currently employed in the water and wastewater field. This shortage of skilled labor is beginning to nudge municipalities along with water and sewer districts to look for alternative ways to maintain current employees and to up-skill those individuals. The MRWA Apprenticeship Program is the perfect fit to accomplish these goals and accommodate these challenges. Making the MRWA Apprenticeship Program a part of your strategic plan for employee training and retention is one of the most logical and cost-effective ways to stay ahead of these challenges. Statistically, 98% of Apprentices who complete an Apprenticeship Program are still working “5 years later for that same Employer” after obtaining Journeyman status. Registered Apprenticeship is an employer-driven training model that has many benefits for employers and employees. Apprenticeship is a flexible training strategy that can be customized to meet the needs of any business. Apprentices can either be new hires or businesses can select current employees who need skill advancement. The apprenticeship model is leading the way in preparing American workers to compete in today’s economy. MRWA’s Apprenticeship Program is a US Department of Labor approved Apprenticeship MRWA Delta Regional Water/Wastewater Apprentices receive confined space Program for Water and Wastewater Systems entry training. Operation Specialist’s providing technical instruction that is paired with on-the-job learning. Upon completion of the program the apprentice will obtain multiple certifications along with various opportunities to experience hands-on type training. As a program, MRWA is among the top performers nationwide having recently promoted five apprentices to journeymen and currently has 65 active apprentices. This program is getting quite busy and although these numbers may very well double over the next few months, it still remains to be a limited enrollment opportunity.
As a program, MRWA is among the top performers nationwide having recently promoted five apprentices to journeymen and currently has 65 active apprentices. (continued on page 28) 27
