The MRWA Apprenticeship Program: Your Opportunity to Build a Strong, Skilled Workforce
Water and wastewater operations are the backbone of every community—and demand for skilled operators is rising. Nearly half of Maryland’s certified Water and Wastewater Operators will reach retirement eligibility in the next five years. Add in growing populations and increasing water needs, and the demand for trained professionals is greater than ever.
With a skills shortage in the industry, facilities have been forced to re-evaluate how they can acquire relevant skills across all levels.
Apprenticeships are a win–win—for the apprentice and the team they join. They give new talent real hands-on experience while helping utilities grow the skilled workforce they need.
At MRWA, we partner with water and wastewater facilities across Maryland to bring in fresh talent and train them in the right way—on the job, with experienced mentors. Our two-year, nationally registered program blends coursework with real-world learning, so apprentices are ready to pass the MDE Operator Licensing Certification Exam and step into their careers.
For employers, it’s a simple, cost-effective way to grow your own talent, plan for the future, and keep your operations running strong.
Facility Benefits:
- Grow your own talent through a structured pipeline
- Reduce recruitment and training costs
- Strengthen succession planning and increase retention
- Transfer vital knowledge from experienced staff to apprentices
- Engage staff as mentors and leaders
- Alleviate the skills shortage with licensed, career-minded operators
- Support local talent and community ties
Apprentices are your W-2 employees—MRWA handles all the tracking, reporting, and paperwork so you can focus on training and operations.
Are you currently hiring, or planning to hire in the near future?
Do you think an apprenticeship program could help you grow and strengthen your team?
Does this opportunity sound like a good fit for your organization?
Complete this short employer questionnaire, and Patty, our Apprenticeship Coordinator, will reach out to you shortly.
Contact Patty Shreves, Apprenticeship Coordinator: patty.shreves@md-rwa.org