Big News for Kentucky’s Water Workforce!

The Kentucky Operator Certification Program (OCP) is pleased to announce that the Kentucky Operator Certification Board and the Energy and Environment Cabinet has approved a Registered Apprenticeship Program through the Kentucky Rural Water Association as an option for educational substitution toward drinking water and wastewater operator licensing eligibility. This “earn while you learn” model supports the development of technical skills, strengthens critical thinking, and promotes long-term career growth within the water industry.

This marks an important step forward for Kentucky’s water sector—one that strengthens both our workforce and the protection of public health and the environment. 

Here’s how:

💧 Hands-On Learning = Operator Readiness
Water and wastewater professionals are hands-on learners. This field demands real-world skill, not just theory. KRWA’s apprenticeship combines technical instruction with supervised, on-the-job training—ensuring operators are not only test-ready, but truly job-ready.

💧 Related Technical Instruction (RTI) Connects the Dots!
Apprentices complete structured classroom instruction alongside documented field experience, creating a higher standard of preparation while aligning with today’s workforce needs.

💧 Public Health & Sustainability
Producing Safe drinking water and properly treating community wastewater depends on a skilled and reliable workforce that is trained to protect the public and the environment we share. By recognizing registered apprenticeships, Kentucky OCP is helping build a sustainable talent pipeline, promoting consistent training, and strengthening the systems that protect our communities every day.

With this approval, Kentucky is leading the way in advancing innovative workforce solutions that raise the bar while expanding opportunity. Together, we are building the next generation of water professionals.