Apprenticeship Information

Benefits of Apprenticeship for The Employer

With a network of over 150,000 employers in more than 1,000 occupations, apprenticeship is developing a new generation of workers to help our nation succeed in the 21st-century economy: 

• Recruit and develop a highly skilled employee;
• Improve productivity, profitability, and an employer’s bottom line; 
• Create flexible training that ensure workers develop the right skills; 
• Minimize liability costs through appropriate training of workers; 
• Receive tax credits and employee tuition benefits in participating states;
• Increase retention of workers, during and following the apprenticeship;
• Empowering your employees could help lead to innovation for new products, services, or efficient production methods;
• Employee empowerment can help foster positive emotions in employees towards their company and lower employee turnover rates;
• Greater workplace efficiency may have other possible benefits, too, such as reduced operating costs.

Some of the skills and knowledge from our program include:

• Water/Wastewater System Operations and Maintenance;
• Sample Collection and Reporting for Water/Wastewater Regulatory Compliance;
• Drinking Water Disinfection and Wastewater Treatment Techniques;
• Mechanical and Electrical Troubleshooting;
• Collaboration with Operators, Managers, Board Members and Regulating Agencies;
• Suggested OJT Categories over a 6-month “Period” that are electronically tracked:

A. Tools, Equipment and Workplace Safety   60 hours

B. Vehicles and Specialized Equipment        100 hours

C. System Operations & Maintenance           480 hours

D. Quality Control                                          240 hours

E. Logistics, Reports and Supervision            120 hours

• Our goal for Related Technical Instruction (Classroom/Tours) is 72 hours over a 6-month “Period”;
• 
  The 2-Year Apprenticeship Investment is $2,000/per Apprentice or $1,250/per Apprentice with two or more registered. https://player.vimeo.com/video/257162372

Benefits of Apprenticeship for The Apprentice

Water and Wastewater Operations Specialists ensure the quality of Florida's water resources and protect public health, providing critical services to our communities. You protect our environment and ensure the health and safety of our citizens by providing access to safe drinking water and effective sanitation management.

Water and Wastewater Operation Specialists need a wide range of skills from computer technology to heavy machinery and from financial understanding to regulatory compliance. This profession offers a variety of opportunities to work both indoors and outdoors, work with engineers, chemists, management staff and laboratory staff. Rural Operation Specialists typically are responsible for the management, operations, and maintenance of all utility assets and infrastructure. They inspect equipment, monitor daily activity, maintain regular test samples, and ensure that safety standards are met.

• You're able to gain skills and qualifications for long-term employment while still earning a decent wage to cover your bills and begin your independent life;
• This learning-while-doing method can also boost your confidence to perform quickly and effectively with certainty about your capabilities;
• Apprenticeships provide you with the support of one-on-one learning;
• An apprenticeship can afford you the ability to work toward a promotion without having to go back to school;
• Completing an apprenticeship allows you to earn a higher income than job seekers in similar positions;
• When you graduate from an apprenticeship program, you get a certified credential that employers across the United States recognize and accept;
• Many employers value technical skills, knowledge of the industry and other measurable results, but they also like to see hopeful employees that possess drive, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Completing an apprenticeship program reveals to an employer that you are serious about your future success and commitment to a particular role;
• You're more likely to find satisfaction in an environment that values workplace development and where you feel a part of the process;
• As employees retire, a company needs to have a stable and reliable influx of qualified personnel to rely on. Apprenticeships allow employers the opportunity to build that skilled line of succession, so as their older talent leaves, the newer talent is incoming and ready to fill those roles with the required expertise to keep things operating without issue.

 Who Can Apply?

• Be 18 years old or older, OR enrolled in an approved pre-apprenticeship program through a secondary school;
• Have a High School Diploma or GED;
• Pass a Drug Screening;
• Pass a Background;
• Attend all formal training classes.

Applications are Accepted Year-Round!

• Water Systems Operations Specialist
• Wastewater Systems Operations Specialist

For more information and if you have questions about this opportunity, contact us at (850) 668-2746 or email apprenticeship@frwa.org for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The sponsor 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.