Training for the Next Generation
Water utilities nationwide face a challenge to attracting a talented workforce. Changing technologies and an ageing workforce deepen the need to create a pipeline for recruiting and training a utility workforce for the 21st century.
One of The Water Tower’s Founding Partners, the Georgia Association of Water Professionals, is one of the key entities responsible for training and certifying utility operators in the state. Our goal is to augment their already robust training. This will be done by creating new, specialized water-utility curricula that complement certification courses by focusing on specific areas, working with vendors to provide technical training on innovative technologies, and bringing staff out of the classroom and into the field.
The Water Tower provides a three pronged training program to provide a real-world experience for students through a combination of in the field training, traditional classroom training, and online courses. Classroom courses are underway, and our field training center and online course catalog are coming soon- stay tuned!
TWT and Julius online education collaboration
Online Learning Pathways
The Water Tower and Julius Education have developed and curated training resources to target critical management and leadership competencies necessary for current and emerging managers. Find more information regarding the available online courses below.
Training Course descriptions
Arc Flash Safety
Continuing Education Points: 2 (Management & Safety GA-SOS) 4 (Maintenance Technologist)
Course Duration: 2 hours
Between 5 and 10 arc flashes occur in the US each day. These dangerous and potentially deadly electrical explosions are a big risk to EPS technicians. In this interactive seminar, a Prime Power master trainer will review the most common causes of arc flashes, preventative measures, assessment tools and techniques, and tips for personal safety. The course meets all OSHA training standards and is designed for all levels of experience.
Activated Sludge Part 1
Continuing Education Points: 12 (Wastewater)
Course Duration: 12 Hours (Advanced)
A classroom course to help any wastewater treatment professional strengthen their understanding of the process and how to control it.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Overview of Suspended Media Treatment
- Modifications of Processes
- Unit Processes & Their Functions
- Long-Term Process Control
- Math Application to System Operation
Activated Sludge Part 2
Continuing Education Points: 12 (Wastewater)
Course Duration: 12 hours (Advanced)
A hands-on laboratory course that compliments Part 1. Students will spend time performing process control testing on the process.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Short-Term Process Control
- Oxygen Uptake Rate
- Sludge Quality
- Practical Application of Data
Class II Wastewater Treatment
Continuing Education Points: 12
Course Duration: 24 Hours
The Class II Wastewater Treatment course is a course for GA Class II Wastewater Operator candidates or other wastewater treatment professionals seeking to advance their laboratory skills. This course provides half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Wastewater Operator exam. This course is also useful for obtaining GA Class I Wastewater Operator Certification.
Major Topics:
- Suspended Media Treatment
- Mathematical Calculations
- Secondary Treatment
- Sludge Treatment
- Disinfection
Class II Water Treatment
Continuing Education Points: 12
Course Duration: 24 Hours
A course for GA Class II Drinking Water Operator candidates. This course expands on the topics covered in the Class III Drinking Water Treatment course and provides half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Drinking Water Operator exam. This course is also useful for obtaining GA Class I Drinking Water Operator Certification.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Water Chemistry
- Preliminary Treatment Chemicals
- Coagulation/Flocculation
- Jar Testing
- Filter Optimization
- Disinfection
- Water Plant Safety
Electrical Safety
Continuing Education Points: 2 (Management & Safety GA-SOS) 4 (Maintenance Technologist)
Course Duration: 2 hours
This important course focusses on industrial workplace electrical hazards and safety. Participants will learn about the proper use of PPE and how it relates to electrical safety, safe meter testing procedures using the live/dead/live system (including meter operation and inspection), safe work habits, site surveys and their role in overall safety.
Generator 101 Emergency Power Supply System's Codes & Regulations for Reliable Operation
Continuing Education Points: 2 (Management & Safety GA-SOS) 4 (Maintenance Technologist)
Course Duration: 2 hours
In this interactive seminar taught by one of Prime Power's top instructors, participants are given an in-depth overview of emergency power systems and the critical role of the generator. Learn how the generator interacts with all areas of your EPS system, basic maintenance and important code updates to ensure your system meets NFPA 110 guidelines. Perfect for new technicians and experienced techs seeking a refresher course.
Generator 102: General Maintenance Practices & Procedures
Continuing Education Points: 2 (Management & Safety GA-SOS) 4-6 (Maintenance Technologist)
Course Duration: 5 hours
In this interactive, hands-on workshop, participants will use a 90-point inspection sheet to perform a preventative maintenance inspection on an installed emergency power system. Gain a comprehensive understanding of standby generators, learn about the components used, explore basic maintenance requirements and review NFPA 110 guidelines.
Generator Triage
Continuing Education Points: 2 (Management & Safety GA-SOS) 4 (Maintenance Technologist)
Course Duration: 2 hours
The power goes out. What do you do? This seminar addresses what to do when you experience a power outage, as well as highlights the practical steps you can take before, during and after an outage. Discuss basic triage procedures such as how to reset your system when the backup fails. Review the most common system failures and their root causes and learn what you can do to safely get your system back up and running while help is on the way.
Maintenance Technologist II
Continuing Education Points: 12
Course Duration: 24 hours
The Maintenance Technologist Class II Certification is the second certification in the MT series. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the maintenance field as it pertains to the water industry. Upon successful completion of this course students are eligible to sit for the Maintenance Technologist Class II Certification
Major Topics:
- Cross-Connections
- Water Quality, Sampling, & Analysis
- Hydraulics
- Pumps
- Level Control and Flow Recording
- Engines, Motors, & Drives
- Valves
- Electrical, Breakers, & Fuses
Maintenance Technologist III
Continuing Education Points: 12
Course Duration: 24 hours
The Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Maintenance Technologist (MT) Certification program is a voluntary certification program that follows the same levels as the Association of Boards of Certification Plant Maintenance Technologist Certification. The Maintenance Technologist III is the basic course that introduces students to the field of maintenance in the water industry.
Major Topics:
- Water treatment
- Cross-Connections
- Water Quality, Sampling, & Analysis
- Hydraulics
- Pumps
- Level Control and Flow Recording
- Engines, Motors, & Drives
- Valves
- Electrical, Breakers, & Fuses
Wastewater Lab Analyst
Continuing Education Points: 12 (Wastewater)
Course Duration: 30 hours (27 Basic Wastewater Lab, 24 Advanced Wastewater)
The Wastewater Laboratory Analyst course is designed for individuals interested in obtaining the GA Wastewater Laboratory Analyst certification. This course is a classroom/laboratory hybrid where students will perform many hands-on exercises. The course provides the required training hours for the GA Wastewater Laboratory Analyst certification and half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Wastewater Operator exam.
Major Topics:
- Plant Operation
- Sampling
- Process Control vs. Regulatory Reporting
- Solution Chemistry
- Calibration
- QA/QC
- Safety
- Hands-on Procedures
Drinking Water Lab Analyst
Continuing Education Points: 12 (Water)
Course Duration: 27 hours
This class is designed for anyone interested in obtaining the GA Drinking Water Laboratory Analyst certification. This course is a classroom/laboratory hybrid where students will perform many hands-on exercises. The course provides the required training hours for the GA Drinking Water Laboratory Analyst certification and half of the required advanced training hours for the GA Class II Drinking Water Operator exam.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Plant Operation
- Sampling
- Process Control vs. Regulatory Reporting
- Solution Chemistry
- Calibration
- QA/QC
- Safety
- Hands-on Procedures
Distribution Systems Operation
Continuing Education Points: 12 (Water)
Course Duration: 27 Hours
This class is for anyone interested in obtaining a GA Distribution Systems Operator certification. The course covers the design, installation, inspection, repair and testing of a water distribution system. This course provides the required training hours for the GA Distribution Systems Operator certification.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Pipe Materials
- Pipe Installation
- Fire Hydrants
- Valves
- Cross Connection Control
- Water Storage
- Services & Meters
- Pumps
- Water Quality & Sampling
Backflow Prevention Assembler Tester Training
Continuing Education Points: 12 (Water, Wastewater, Maintenance, Backflow)
Course Duration: 32 Hours
This course is designed for anyone who is interested in obtaining a GAWP Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification. This course is a classroom/hands-on hybrid course.
MAJOR TOPICS:
- Causes of Backflow Occurrences
- Protective Backflow Prevention Measures
- Proper Installation of Backflow Preventers
- RPZ, DC, & PVB Testing Procedures
- When and Where to Use Backflow Devices