GLWA, partnering with HFC and Focus: HOPE, launches apprenticeship cohort

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), in collaboration with HFC and Focus: HOPE with approval from the U.S. Department of Labor, has announced the launch of a second apprenticeship cohort to train and hire Instrumentation Technicians for GLWA.

The apprenticeship’s purpose is to help close the gap in the availability of highly-trained talent to fill skilled technician roles that are imperative to water and wastewater treatment. The apprenticeship provides a “learn while you earn” model that requires 5,200 hours of on-the-job training and 575 hours of classroom instruction – at HFC – with no cost to the student. It is registered with the Department of Labor as a Mechatronics Technician apprenticeship. The apprenticeship lasts approximately three years.

Essential role

Instrumentation Technicians play an essential role in GLWA’s efforts to provide water of the highest quality to southeast Michigan, performing treatment facility operations, including the maintenance and repair of electrical and instrumentation equipment in treatment facilities, field services, and pumping stations.

All interested students must successfully complete the Focus: HOPE pre-apprenticeship program to be eligible (NOTE: If a student has completed a pre-apprenticeship program with another provider, the student should contact GLWA at performance@glwater.org to determine if the Focus: HOPE pre-apprenticeship requirement will be waived). Upon completion of the Focus: HOPE pre-apprenticeship program, GLWA schedules interviews with qualified students for admission to the apprenticeship program.

How to enroll

Email performance@glwater.org with your name, phone number, email address, and the best time to reach you.

GLWA will connect you with Focus: HOPE to schedule the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) assessment. You must pass the CASAS assessment to enroll in the Pre-Apprenticeship Plus (PA Plus) program. The assessment is conducted in person and is free of charge. You should allow up to three hours to complete the assessment. CASAS includes reading comprehension, literacy, and math assessments.

For questions or more information, contact performance@glwater.org.