Work

Community College Partners with Industry to Train Next Generation of Water Operators

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In order to meet the dire need for certified water and wastewater operators, utilities in East Tennessee approached the local community college to develop a new degree program. In 2019, the Water Quality Technology (WQT) Program was launched at Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC), funded by the National Science Foundation. An industry advisory board worked closely with the faculty to provide students with the best academic and practical experience. Local utilities continue to support the program by hosting students for on-site field experiences and paid internships. Students who have completed the program have been employed in successful careers in the water and wastewater sector prior to graduation, and those who have attempted the state certification exams have surpassed average pass rates.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13345336

Author: Carbajo, Cristina

Institution: Pellissippi State Community College

Language: English

Topic: Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Quality education

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Science Foundation