ANNOUNCEMENT: Apprenticeship Program open enrollment now - seats are limited!. Tuition assistance is available.
Some exciting things happening in the Apprenticeship Program at CRWA. National Rural Water Association (NRWA) has announced a Stipend Program for mentors ($2.5K) and apprentices ($5K). To learn more, email apprenticeship@crwa.net.
CRWA Apprenticeship Program
Water & Wastewater System Operations
Our industry is changing.
Thousands of water industry workers are expected to retire over the next five to ten years, leading to a huge gap to fill our Water and Wastewater Systems Operation Specialists jobs. Through the CRWA program, apprentices will gain knowledge from industry professionals who have the appropriate experience and know the required certifications and qualifications. The apprentice will leave the program able to thrive as a water industry professional. The CRWA apprenticeship program provides apprentices, 18 years old and above, opportunities to learn water and wastewater industry knowledge and practices through on-the-job training and classroom instruction to improve the overall professionalism of the industry and to support our members’ continued workforce needs.
Become an Apprentice.
Our Department of Labor recognized training program was developed in response to the industry’s need to train the next generation of skilled workers and standardize training across the state of Colorado. Once an Apprentice completes this 2 year program and passes an aptitude tests given by the State of Colorado, he or she is considered a Certified Operations Specialist and can do tasks unsupervised making this person invaluable to your water or wastewater systems. CRWA is currently recruiting qualified candidates for our apprenticeship program!
Why Apprenticeship?
Apprentice Benefits
Earn while you learn - offers skill development and knowledge while earning an income, but you must secure a job first to participate.
- Make a real difference in local communities
- Gain practical skills you can use immediately on-the-job
- Train alongside an experienced Operations Specialist (2 year program)
- Every community is required to have an ORC (Operator in Responsible Charge)
- Stable/Non-fluctuating industry
Utility Benefits
- Proven solution to recruit, train & retain employees
- Replace retiring workforce/grow your replacements from within
- Transfer knowledge from experienced Operations Specialists to Apprentice
- 2 years of hands-on training alongside experienced Operations Specialist
- Build a relationship with the Apprentice
- Ensure well-rounded, highly trained Operations Specialists are produced
Want to learn more?
Helpful links to expand your knowledge base of the Water Industry Operations:
Practice Questions for Colorado Drinking Water Regulations
Class D Water License Practice Test
Speak with our Apprenticeship Coordinator to see if our Apprenticeship Program fits your needs!
Job placement support is available.
Non-Discrimination Statement
NRWA and our State Affiliate Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsors (CRWA) 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.