WHAT IS APPRENTICESHIP?

Apprenticeship is a training model that combines on-the-job training with related technical instruction that increases an apprentice’s skill level and wages.

STRUCTURE & RESPONSIBILITIES

WARWS

Serves as the Program Sponsor, created the curriculum, manages the paperwork, reporting and records keeping for the program. Provides the related instruction and ensures all training meets the requirements of the Department of Labor. Helps with support for funding, recruitment, discipline, modifications of to the program, etc.

Water System/Employer

Serves as the Participating Employer, provides the on-the-job training (OJT) to the apprentice by a mentor. 
Pays the apprentice’s wages.

Mentor

Serves as the subject matter expert (SME) to help train and develop the apprentice. Provides evaluations and feedback to the apprentice and to the program.

Apprentice

Must meet minimum qualifications for entry. Responsible for meeting expectations and requirements of the training program, cost of the training and travel related to training (WARWS will help with potential funding assistance as well, provided the apprentice meets the qualifications for funding assistance). 

LONG-TERM SOLUTION & WORKING TOGETHER

This is a long-term solution to an issue that has affected the water industry for many years – lack of new workers joining the industry. There won’t be an immediate surge of new water operators looking for jobs in the industry, however, if we work together, we can ensure there are enough well-qualified individuals working within our state in the water industry for decades to come. We will do this by:

·       Providing higher quality systematic training

·       Educating the public about the industry opportunities through recruitment efforts

In the long term, we will see:

·       Flexible training options that ensure workers develop the right skills 

·       Reduced turnover & liability costs

·       Changed perception of the industry

·       Increased Wages

Learn more or apply:

https://apprenticeship.nrwa.org/pub/index.htm

Contact for questions or more information:

Riata Little Walker
Apprenticeship Coordinator
lariatcommunications@gmail.com 

WARWS 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.  WARWS 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.