Apprenticeship│Online Degree
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprenticeship
Learn the skills needed to become an effective wastewater operator through the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprenticeship at Moraine Park.
Whether you have the mechanical aptitude or are a problem-solving guru, Moraine Park’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprenticeship is designed to turn students into effective wastewater operators that the complex water industry needs. This three-year program will cover everything required to successfully prepare students for wastewater jobs. Students can take their education to the next level by earning advanced certifications in the trade.
What You’ll Learn
Students will learn how to monitor, maintain and adjust a wide variety of systems found in wastewater treatment plants through hands-on learning and on-the-job training. Classes, which are taught by highly skilled instructors who work in the field, teach students how to adjust sludge thickness on flotation thickeners and collect various samples.
Learn how to…
- Operate pre-treatment and collection systems.
- Manage wastewater treatment plant processes.
- Operate wastewater treatment plant facilities and equipment.
- Maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment and technology.
- Manage wastewater treatment plant bio-solids programs.
- Communicate plant and wastewater treatment specific information effectively.
- Promote a safe work environment for self and others.
- Perform management related duties based on need.
- Manage laboratory testing, equipment, and reporting.
- Utilize computers and wastewater treatment technologies.
- Comply with wastewater treatment regulations.
Career opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Wastewater Plant Operator
- Wastewater Treatment Equipment Sales Representative
- Environmental Technician
- Wastewater System Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Industrial Waste Technician
Apprentice students do not complete standard admissions with Moraine Park. Interested students should contact:
Tim Budda, Apprenticeship Training Representative
Phone: 262-335-5849
Email: timothy.budda@dwd.wisconsin.gov
For apprenticeship application information, please contact a Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Representative at 262-335-5849.
Applicants should be 18 years of age and submit an apprentice and employer application to their Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Representative. See representative information.
Tuition Costs
The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors such as total credits required, textbooks and the financial aid you receive. Some programs have additional costs such as uniforms, technology and equipment.
Please refer to the Tuition & Fee Information for enrollment fee information.
Cost of Attendance
Cost of attendance (sometimes referred to as the “sticker price”) is the maximum amount of money it costs to attend college for one year and is used to determine your financial aid offering.
While attending Moraine Park during the 2023-24 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,375 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $4,052 (if living with parents, $9,614 if living on your own), books and supplies of $2,061, personal expenses of $2,245, and transportation of $2,007 for a total of $15,161. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.
Training Period
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprenticeship consists of approximately three years, including approximately 5,568 hours of on-the-job learning and 432 hours of paid related instruction.
Working Conditions
Wastewater operators require a moderate level of physical strength. They must frequently stand for long periods in uncomfortable positions. Since much of their work is outdoors, wastewater operators are exposed to various weather conditions.
High school dual credit provides high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school, without leaving their high school classroom. The courses are taught by certified high school instructors using technical college curriculum, grading policies and textbooks.
Has previous life experience already helped you build knowledge and skills applicable to your studies? Applying previously earned credits to a program of study can save you both time spent in the classroom and money spent on tuition and fees.
Transferring here is easy! You can transfer in prior college work by submitting official college transcripts or get a free transcript review.
Financial Aid is provided to aid eligible associate degree and technical diploma programs with 28 credits or more. Processing can take 6-8 weeks after a student’s completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received.
Our recruiters on any of the three campuses are ready to help you plan your future!