Untapped Potential

The Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) supports rural water utilities by providing training, technical assistance, and advocacy for water and wastewater professionals. In response to a critical workforce shortage, KRWA launched a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) in 2019 for youth aged 16-21, overseen by Heather Stevenson, the workforce development coordinator. This two-year program offers hands-on training and technical instruction for careers as water and wastewater operations specialists. Despite initial employer hesitations, Stevenson and her team addressed concerns by simplifying the apprenticeship process and demonstrating its success. Backed by the National Rural Water Association, the RAP is part of a national effort to address the industry's aging workforce and ensure a sustainable supply of skilled operators to maintain clean and safe water systems.

In addition to RAP, KRWA offers the TRACK program for high school students, enabling them to gain apprenticeship experience and transition seamlessly into the workforce or further training. These initiatives combat the industry's aging workforce and foster local job growth, particularly in rural communities. As the only program of its kind in Kentucky, KRWA's apprenticeship model has inspired other states to adopt similar strategies to address workforce shortages while educating communities about the value of clean, safe water. Read the full story >

To learn more about NRWA's Registered Apprenticeship Program, please visit https://nrwa.org/apprenticeship-program/.