STCC launches new Water Distribution course; second in series
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College will offer an online course this fall to prepare students for careers in the drinking water industry and to help those working in the field enhance their skills.
The course, called Concepts & Practices of Drinking Water Distribution, is being offered through the Workforce Development Center at STCC in partnership with the Massachusetts Water Works Association and the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission. The training, which runs Sept. 14-Dec. 4, is free for students enrolled in any community college in Massachusetts. Individuals not enrolled at a community college as well as employees at water utilities can register for the class for a fee.
This is the second in a series of courses designed for careers in the water industry. Last fall, a water treatment course was offered in a similar self-paced online format. Students who completed the training last fall touted the course’s effectiveness and flexibility. The water distribution course will include weekly videos, readings, discussion topics and quizzes.
“The pace allows for people new to the industry to take time to fully read and learn the material in addition to the videos of each module,” one former student said.
Another former student said, “I took your self-paced online Basic Water Treatment course last fall. Since then I got my D4 and T2 licenses as well as a promotion to chemist."
Training such as the type we offer with STCC and the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission is critical to attracting new individuals to the field and enhancing the skills of new and existing employees.Daniel Laprade, instructor
Instructor Daniel Laprade, of the Massachusetts Water Works Association, has been working in the drinking water field for more than 35 years and has been an instructor for over 15 years.
He said demand for trained employees in the water drinking industry continues to grow as older workers retire.
“It’s an exciting and rewarding career,” he said. “Workers will face challenges as communities deal with aging infrastructure. Training such as the type we offer with STCC and the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission is critical to attracting new individuals to the field and enhancing the skills of new and existing employees.”
The 12-week training will help prepare students to take the Massachusetts Drinking Water Operator Grade 2, 3 and 4 Distribution license exams. Licensure is necessary for beginning a career in the drinking water industry. This course is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Certification of Drinking Water Operators.
Material covered includes hydrology, source waters, basic math and chemistry, regulations, water sampling, hydraulics, distribution system components (pipes, valves, pumps, tanks, meters), equipment operation and maintenance, safety and administrative duties.
Someone with a Massachusetts water operator distribution license can work in such positions as:
- Water Construction & Repair Technician
- Construction Foreman
- Equipment Operation & Maintenance Specialist
- Water Quality Technician
- SCADA, GIS or Instrumentation Specialist
- Water Systems Manager
Students who complete the water course can consider continuing their education in fields such as civil engineering, urban studies, software development, business administration and more.
To enroll online and find more information, visit stcc.edu/water. To enroll in person or for more information, please call (413) 755-4225 or email wdc@stcc.edu.
About Springfield Technical Community College
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, liberal arts, and STEM fields continue to provide the most affordable options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of about 7,000 day, evening, weekend, and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.
For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) and Instagram (@stccpics).
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu