Join the Work-4-Water program and create your own path in the wastewater industry.
What is Work-4-Water?
The Work-4-Water (W4W) program is an entry-level wastewater training course designed to inspire local Hawaiʻi participants to create their own paths within the wastewater industry. The course is facilitated and led by WAI staff as well as both local & national wastewater and water quality professionals. W4W prepares participants with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for success to enter the workforce. Graduates of this program will be better prepared for job opportunities and career advancement in Hawaiʻi’s wastewater industry.
There are no fees or costs to apply for or participate in the program.
Course Details
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Introduction to Wastewater Management — Introduces participants to the sanitation industry while providing opportunities for students to meet and develop connections with industry partners.
Wastewater Treatment Design — Focuses on the unique issues related to water in Hawaiʻi and the fundamental design principles behind various types of individual wastewater treatment and conveyance systems.
Support for Current Workers and New Entrants — Helps participants gain skills and transition to employment or further build their expertise by participating in a more advanced certificate, credential program, or post-apprenticeship career pathway.
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This entry-level curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to the Hawaiʻi wastewater field, with a specific focus on onsite and individual wastewater systems. This course was designed and created collaboratively with an advisory board, consisting of certified industry professionals, to ensure relevancy and positive outcomes for job seekers.
During this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the public health and environmental impacts of wastewater, learn about different types of wastewater systems and how they operate, and related regulations and policies.
The course includes real-world experiences, particularly the installation and maintenance of wastewater systems. Students will learn through on-site, hands-on experiences, field trips, and personalized lessons with specialists from WAI’s partner organizations and other industry subject matter experts.
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Focus
Wastewater industry background and career overviews
Leadership training and development
Action plan development and implementation
Strategic communication design and practice
Individualized mentorship
Peer-to-peer network building
Topics
Topic 1: Wastewater Pollution and Impacts
Topic 2: Wastewater Science
Topic 3: Hawaiʻi Wastewater Problems and Policies
Topic 4: Wastewater Treatment Technology
Topic 5: Wastewater Disposal Technology and Innovative Alternatives
Topic 6: Wastewater Industry Career Overview
Networking Event
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Commitments:
Mandatory in-person Networking Event to connect with potential employers
All classes will be held virtually via weekly Zoom meetings from 5:30-7pm
Students learn at their own pace through a weekly 1.5-hour webinar and pass/fail quiz before attending weekly 1.5-hour interactive virtual classes. The course will have an expected workload average of 3.5 hours per week (23.5 hours total).
Starts: 10th September, 2024
Location: Courses will be conducted online, ending in networking events on both Hawaiʻi Island (Hawaiʻi Community College) and Maui (University of Hawaiʻi Maui College).
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Complete the Online Application (currently open for Cohort 3)
Please read all instructions and answer the questions to the best of your ability
Requirements: Applicants must be US Citizens, US nationals, US Permanent Residents, or otherwise legally allowed to work in the United States. The minimum age required is 16 and there are no upper age limits.
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Participants will gain skills to transition from unemployment to (re)employment and earn an industry-supported credential or continue in more advanced programs, and post-apprenticeship career pathways.
Stipend: A $500 stipend will be awarded to participants who complete the course.
Network: Opportunity to network and develop relationships with potential future employers.
Credential: Graduates will receive an industry-recognized certificate.
Impact: Help protect Hawaiʻi’s natural resources and make a positive impact in your community!
Course Reviews
Mahalo to our committed collaborators!
Funding for this project comes from the Department Of Labor Employment and Training Administration.