DRWA Apprenticeship Program

The Need For Apprentices -
Many Water and Wastewater Professionals have worked at the same utility for the majority of their careers, and they will depart with decades of valuable institutional knowledge.  Furthermore, advancements in water treatment and supply technology have increased the skills and training required of this workforce.  Our industry must address the need to train the next generation of skilled workers in order to protect and provide what is arguably the most valuable resource that is essential to all life - safe water. 
Did You Know?

It takes more than 380,000 highly skilled Water and Wastewater Professionals to ensure the public supply of safe drinking water and to protect our lakes, streams and groundwater.  

“As a proud graduate of the very first apprenticeship class offered by         DRWA, I have experienced firsthand the immense value and impact           of this program on both personal and professional levels."             

- 2021 Graduate James Kersey

Why you should become a Water or Wastewater Apprentice -

Over the next decade, the water sector is expected to lose between 30-50 percent of its workforce to retirement.  

"I'm still in shock how going into the DRWA Apprenticeship Program                has positively impacted my life in such a huge way!"

                                                     - 2025 Graduate Lindsey Warrington

Benefits of Apprenticeship -
  • Earn & Learn:  From their first day of work, Apprentices receive a paycheck that is guaranteed to increase as their training progresses.  Apprentices also complete a combination of job-related instruction and hands-on training at the job site leading to a nationally-recognized, portable credential.
  • Hands-On Career Training:  Apprentices receive practical on-the-job training resulting in improved skills and competencies as well as the potential to earn college credit toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.
  • A Career:  Once the Apprenticeship is complete, workers are on their way to a successful long-term career with a competitive salary and little or no educational debt.
  • National Credential:  When an Apprentice graduates from a career training program, they earn a certified portable credential accepted by industries and employers across the nation.
  • Community Impact:  Apprenticeship offers an opportunity for the Apprentice to make a difference in their own communities.  They will be providing safe water to their family & friends.  This is surely something to take pride in!
                                                                                      For More Information Contact:                                                                                                                                                                                Apprenticeship Coordinator                                                                                                                                                                                                      Lisa Wilkerson                                                                                                                                                                       (302) 424-3792 or lwilkerson@drwa.org                                                           

                                                              

                                                                                                                                    

        “DRWA’s commitment to supporting rural water initiatives makes          a significant difference, I am proud to be a part of this network."

          - 2025 Graduate Jeremy West

                                                                                                                       

           

   

   

Who can apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be 18 years old or older with valid driver's license
  • Have proof of education (high school diploma, GED, or equivalent)
  • Be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program

Program Requirements:
  • 4,000 hours of On the Job Training (approximately 2 years)
  • 288 hours of Related Technical Instruction (144 hours per year for 2 years)

Are you ready to start your water or wastewater career?

Applications are accepted year round! To start the enrollment process, click "Apply Today" below:

Apply Today

Non-Discrimination Statement:

Delaware Rural Water Association (DRWA) 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. Delaware Rural Water Association (DRWA) 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.