by Allison Smith
This article was published in the spring 2025 issue of our newsletter.
Now in its sixth year, Vermont Rural Water’s Apprenticeship Program has celebrated many recent successes.
Last November, apprentices gathered in Waterbury for our first ever in-person meeting. Eleven apprentices from across the state came for training, networking, and support. Apprentices shared insight into their experiences, including the challenges and opportunities of learning the skills needed to be successful in the water workforce. This sort of peer networking was a goal when we first launched the Apprenticeship Program in 2019, but—like so many things—it was delayed by the pandemic.
Over the past few months, several apprentices have graduated from the program. We would like to take a moment to celebrate these individuals and their achievements.
Jeremiah Borsoi at the Barton Village WWTF
In September, Jeremiah Borsoi completed his apprenticeship in Wastewater Treatment with Barton Village. Jeremiah began his apprenticeship in 2022,and since then has demonstrated great determination in learning to operate his facility amidst changes in leadership.
Jay Kluza receiving his graduation certificate from Paula Jackson.
Jay Kluza also completed his apprenticeship in Wastewater Treatment with the City of Essex Junction this fall. Jay came into the industry as a military veteran, bringing his ethic of service to his new career along with his ability to respond quickly and troubleshoot emergent events.
Mike Doran, Alan-Glen Burnell, and Ryan Muratorri from the Village of Poultney
The Town of Poultney recently gained a certified operator as Ryan Muratorri completed his Water Treatment Apprenticeship. Ryan works in both the town’s drinking water and wastewater facilities and balances the many day-to-day demands of a public works employee.
Zach Field at the Wallingford WWTF
In December, Zach Field completed his Wastewater Treatment apprenticeship. Zach works for Simon Operation Services and manages a large portfolio of systems, including the wastewater system in Bridgewater and drinking water and wastewater systems in Wallingford. Zach came to the industry after serving in the U.S. Army.
Brad Snow at the Richmond WWTF
The program’s most recent graduate is Brad Snow, who completed his Wastewater Treatment Apprenticeship with the Town of Richmond. Brad has been a staple member of the Richmond team and operated the plant during numerous severe flooding events over the last two years.
Vermont Rural Water is immensely proud of these graduating apprentices and the determination, fortitude, and hard work that they have demonstrated throughout their apprenticeships. Recent years have presented many challenges for water and wastewater operators, including flooding and weather events, which have kept these apprentices on their toes and make us even more appreciative that they persevered in the program.
As we send recently graduated apprentices on their way in the water industry, Vermont Rural Water is also welcoming new individuals into the program.
In November, Preston Bergeron was signed on as a Small Systems Water Treatment apprentice with Addison Central School District in Middlebury.
Logan Powers became the second apprentice at the City of Montpelier as a Water Treatment Operator in January.
Kaylan Gray has started a Small Systems Apprenticeship in Water Treatment with the Town of Canaan.
Tori Beloin joins us as our newest Wastewater Treatment Apprentice with Simon Operation Services, based in the Putney area.
The Apprenticeship Program currently has 18 active apprentices. Fourteen of these are in the water treatment program and four are in wastewater treatment. Since the program’s inception, twelve apprentices have completed the two-year program. Vermont Rural Water thanks the many employers and mentors who support apprentices and make these opportunities possible!
If you know of someone looking to start their career or make a change, or if you are part of a system that is finding it challenging to hire, consider the Apprenticeship Program to help build a competent, capable workforce. Find more information at vtruralwater.org/apprentices.