Richard Froese
Spotlight
With a shortage of qualified water and wastewater operators in the north, Northern Lakes College now offers online training for that work.
Water / wastewater operator preparation program level 1 starts in September.
“The program meets entry-level training requirements with Alberta Environment and no other courses are required to be able to take the provincial certification exam,” says Brianne Nettelfield, continuing education and corporate training liaison, based in Peace River.
“Communities are continuously searching for qualified individuals to fill the complex roles of water and wastewater treatment plant operators, water distribution system operators and wastewater collection system operators.”
The course is the first of the course in the north.
“Most of the time, people had to travel south to Edmonton for training and take time away from work and family,” Nettelfield says.
“Now they can get all the training they need right at home.”
The course is a preparation program and does not provide certification.
Students completing the components of the program that lead to certification will have to write the exam with Alberta Environment.
NLC and ATAP Infrastructure Management Ltd. have partnered to deliver the program that will address critical demand for training in northern Alberta.
“Training is designed to prepare existing operators or new incumbents to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of water and wastewater operators and to write the provincial certification exam,” Nettelfield says.
“Students will become proficient in learning the support systems and technical aspects of water and wastewater treatment, and water distribution and wastewater collection.”
Classes are offered online over the internet with the instructor and other students.
“Level 2 is currently under development,” she says.
Fee for the program is $1,095, plus the federal goods and services tax and other materials, with minimum textbook at $380.
Students can also be supported by sponsorships through their employer or employment assistance.
First Nations or Metis members can apply for a sponsorship through their band or settlement office.
For more information, or to register, visit the college website at northernlakescollege.ca or phone Nettelfield at 1-780-624-5176 (ext. 3719).