CRWA Water/Wastewater Specialist apprenticeship program focuses on providing a pathway for employed workers with utilities (incumbent workers) to upgrade and enhance their Technical, Managerial, and Financial understanding and skills in in the operation and management of their local utilities. The program is an approved Department of Labor (DOL) Federally Registered Apprenticeship Program. This program consists of 288 hours of formal training combined with 4000 hours of on-the-job experience in the defined work processes as they are stated in the apprenticeship program application packet. This program is set up to be completed in a two-year cycle but there is no time limit on the actual completion.

The CRWA program is designed to provide qualifications for multiple certifications in operations and safety while providing financial education and a pathway for a utility management certification as well. the water wastewater specialist program also provides pathways for a one year certification from the CSUS office of water programs and also qualify the apprentice to apply for a 2-year associates degree in water and wastewater management at several California community college programs.

Program Costs

The program costs are $1500 per/year or $3000 for the two-year program. All program expenses are covered in those costs. Apprentices will receive the following manuals and training materials which include an in-depth set of elective courses built and designed for the apprenticeship program. Eligibility to sit for state and industry certifications per the state certification requirements will be met by completion of the Apprenticeship Program.

Water Curriculum (Instructor-led Courses)

Wastewater Curriculum (Instructor-led Courses)

What are the benefits of being in the apprenticeship program?

Aside from learning from some of the best water and wastewater operators in the state of California, apprentices who pass the program are eligible to take multiple federally recognized certification exams. Also, the apprentices who complete the program will have the knowledge to become journeyman level water operators.

Water Operations Specialist

• Eligible to take the Water Treatment Grade 2 Exam
• Eligible to take the Water Distribution Grade 2 Exam
• Eligible to take the Water Treatment Grade 3 Exam
  • upon completion of 1-year experience as a T2
• Eligible to take the Water Distribution Grade 3 Exam
  • upon completion of 1-year experience as a D2
• Backflow Tester Certification through NCBPA or ABPA
• Utility Management Certification
• OSHA-10 Certification

Wastewater Operations Specialist

Wastewater Treatment Grades 1-3:
The state certification program mandates minimum of one year’s experience for the Grade 1 level certification and the experience requirements increase for the Grades 2 and 3. The education requirements are all met and/or exceeded when you complete the Apprenticeship’s formal training courses.

• Backflow Tester Certification through NCBPA or ABPA
• OSHA-10 Certification
• Utility Management Certification

Eligible Apprentice List & Job Placement

CRWA is currently doing two things to provide a pathway for individuals to register and attend the formal training and get assistance in possible job placement with a utility.

• Pool of Eligible List of Apprentices: CRWA is working to establish an eligibility list for apprenticeship applications to the program. This list will identify individuals that have applied to the program and will be available for hire by the utilities.
• Temporary Service Placement: CRWA is networking with the utilities across California that will provide work experience and an opportunity to apply for positions with utilities in a Temporary Service format. This is a new feature to the program and we will be building the network over time.

Additional Employment Opportunities

CRWA has established an employment listing where utilities post jobs for operators. These listings are from utilities all across California. This is a great way for operators to find jobs in the industry.

Veteran’s Benefits

The CRWA program is federally approved so all your veteran’s benefits can be utilized in registering for this program. CRWA will assist you and provide the needed course schedules and documentation so you can register and attend the course work and be reimbursed for program costs.