by Paula Jackson, Apprenticeship Program Coordinator
This article was published in the summer 2023 issue of our newsletter.
Congratulations are in order for the five apprentices that are completing the apprenticeship program this year.
Vermont Rural Water’s Apprenticeship Program provides a structured educational curriculum and on-the-job training for new water and wastewater operators. The program provides support for apprentices to pass operator certification exams and to better understand their facility’s operations and maintenance procedures. 18 apprentices are currently enrolled and in total, six have completed the program.
Amelia McClure is a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator at the City of Burlington’s Main Plant, where she has been employed for 2.5 years. Amelia continues her education by taking advanced level wastewater treatment courses through the University of Vermont.
Amelia McClure
Tyler Booska is a Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator for the City of Burlington. The Burlington Water Treatment Facility is a 5 MGD plant serving 45,000 consumers. Tyler has been employed with the City of Burlington for a little over two years. Tyler is currently studying to pass his 4C Surface Water Treatment Plant certification exam.
Tyler Booska
Tyler Booska is a Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator for the City of Burlington. The Burlington Water Treatment Facility is a 5 MGD plant serving 45,000 consumers. Tyler has been employed with the City of Burlington for a little over two years. Tyler is currently studying to pass his 4C Surface Water Treatment Plant certification exam.
Eli Charlton started working at the Fair Haven Wastewater Treatment Facility as a high school student. A school program allowed him to get credit hours for his work time at the wastewater facility. Eli is now a Grade 1 Wastewater Operator.
Eli Charlton (left) with mentor Carrie LaFond and Carrie’s dog.
Monica Brager and Danny Whitaker both left jobs at the University of Vermont’s maintenance team to become Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprentices at the City of South Burlington. South Burlington has two wastewater treatment facilities: Airport Parkway is a 3.3 MGD system and Bartlett Bay is a 1.25 MGD system. Monica and Danny work at both plants.
Monica Braeger (left) and Danny Whitaker.
Monica Brager and Danny Whitaker both left jobs at the University of Vermont’s maintenance team to become Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprentices at the City of South Burlington. South Burlington has two wastewater treatment facilities: Airport Parkway is a 3.3 MGD system and Bartlett Bay is a 1.25 MGD system. Monica and Danny work at both plants.