Workforce development begins with The Waterwork’s Apprenticeship Program

Much attention has been made about attending a traditional college or taking a different route by learning a skilled trade.  When thinking about a future career path much focus has also been made on the high cost of college tuition and the burden of enormous student debt.  Imagine earning tuition free college credit, a skilled trade, and getting paid all at the same time through The Waterworks Plumbing Apprenticeship Program.

The Waterworks Apprenticeship Program began in 2014 under the leadership of David Specht, President of The Waterworks. Through the program apprentices can obtain paid, relevant experience through a combination of classroom, hands-on lab work, and on the job training. The Waterworks is the only plumbing company with an in-house, state-licensed and fully accredited program by the Ohio State Apprenticeship Council (OSAC). Since the program’s inception 31 have completed journeypersons level certification.  Currently 30 participants are enrolled in the program in 2022/2023, including 12 new first-level apprentices. Participant’s ages have ranged from 18 to 51.

Apprentices immediately become a full-time employee, earning a salary and access to full-time benefits all while working toward earning their Journeyman Plumbing Certification. Over the four years, apprentices will work through a tier system; each consisting of performance criteria that must be met before advancing. After the completion of the program, apprentices can take the National Standard Journeyman Plumber exam and apply for their journeyman plumbing license.

The program is a proven ‘earn-while-you-learn’ training model that creates a talent pipeline to our company offering a long-term workforce strategy as seasoned technicians retire. Apprentices in the program know this is a pathway to a great paying, recession-proof job, and careers they can be proud of.  If you or someone you know is unsure about attending a traditional college or considering changing career paths, an apprenticeship program in a highly skilled trade is worth exploring.

To learn more about The Waterworks Apprenticeship program, contact Kelly Turley, Human Resources Director at 614-505-8120.