Clarkson, GA (Oct. 1, 2022) – Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is one of the oldest of Georgia’s 22 technical colleges. GPTC is a minority-serving institution, recognized for its student-centered approach as it prepares individuals with education, training, and skills to enter the workforce ready to make a difference in the economy.
GPTC worked closely with local employers, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the Supply Chain Automation Workforce Hub (the Hub), a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) national industry intermediary expanding Apprenticeship in supply chain automation, to develop and register their Water and Wastewater Systems Operations Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This RAP includes at least 12 months of instruction and on-the-job training to meet specific competencies and state requirements for wastewater training and certification. Program completers will receive a portable, national credential from DOL and be qualified to earn additional industry certifications. Furthermore, it prepares apprentices to work in the local water supply system, meeting the needs of at least two area employers with interest across the state in adopting the program. Classes will begin in November 2022.
The Hub team worked closely with GPTC to assist with the DOL apprenticeship registration process and set up meetings with DOL staff to answer GPTC’s outstanding questions. With the Hub’s assistance, GPTC facilitated a smooth RAP application and developed a RAP that meets DOL requirements.
Water and Wastewater Systems Operations Specialists are vital to communities for access to clean drinking water and to ensure wastewater effluent is returned to the environment properly. Over the next decade, the water sector is expected to lose between 30 and 50% of the workforce to retirement. Many of these employees have worked at the same utility for most of their careers, and they will depart with decades of valuable institutional knowledge. A vast majority of urban, suburban, rural, and small community water systems have been unable to attract, train, and retain the next-generation workforce.
Through the Hub, Manhattan Strategy Group will provide employers participating in the GPTC RAP with direct incentive funding and ongoing technical support to aid in recruitment and registration of a diverse pool of applicants. Additionally, the Hub will work with GPTC to evaluate future RAP opportunities and aid in their registration with DOL, as needed.
Learn more about the Hub’s available assistance for employers, educational institutions, and career seekers at www.scworkforcehub.com/resources.
This project has been funded, either wholly or in part, with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration under Contract Number 1605C2-22-C-0008. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement of same by the U.S. government.