2026 Leadership Summit
NCRWA Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Rural Water. Rural Roots. Rural Roots. We Grow Operators.
What is Registered Apprenticeship, and why is it the new model for recruitment?
A Registered Apprenticeship blends paid, hands-on work experience with formal classroom instruction, all under the guidance of seasoned journey workers (mentors). This model offers a clear career path and culminates in state licenses and a nationally recognized, portable credential. Apprentices begin earning wages immediately, with pay increases tied to skill development.
How is a Registered Apprenticeship Program Structured?
Sponsor
NCRWA designed the apprenticeship program using National Standards from the National Rural Water Association to address workforce gaps caused by retirements. Utilities benefit by preparing new operators before experienced mentors leave the industry.
Official Registration Agency
To qualify as a "Registered Apprenticeship," the program must be officially registered with either the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship or a State Apprenticeship Agency. North Carolina Rural Water’s Registered Apprenticeship is approved and vetted by ApprenticeshipNC.
Industry Standards
The program incorporates occupational benchmarks and a structured work process schedule to ensure consistent, high-quality training across the board that lead to industry operator licenses.
Sponsor
NCRWA designed the apprenticeship program using National Standards from the National Rural Water Association to address workforce gaps caused by retirements. Utilities benefit by preparing new operators before experienced mentors leave the industry.
Official Registration Agency
To qualify as a "Registered Apprenticeship," the program must be officially registered with either the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship or a State Apprenticeship Agency. North Carolina Rural Water’s Registered Apprenticeship is approved and vetted by ApprenticeshipNC.
Industry Standards
The program incorporates occupational benchmarks and a structured work process schedule to ensure consistent, high-quality training across the board that lead to industry operator licenses.
What does the Sponsor of the Registered Apprenticeship do for the Utility?
NCRWA serves as the official Sponsor of the Registered Apprenticeship Program, partnering with utilities to structure on-the-job training for emerging water and wastewater professional operators. Utilities receive support from NCRWA and designate mentors to lead technical, hands-on learning. Together, NCRWA and the utility ensure apprentices are trained to meet the highest industry standards and become fully licensed operators.
NCRWA Workforce Development further reinforces its value by taking the burden off utilities and manages every critical aspect of the apprenticeship journey—so utilities can focus on what they do best. From tracking on-the-job training logs and overseeing course registrations and completions, to providing hands-on and virtual guidance throughout the program, NCRWA ensures apprentices stay on track with continuous support. We also handle all compliance documentation, giving utilities peace of mind and a streamlined experience. It’s a full-service partnership that transforms workforce development from a challenge into a strategic advantage.
Visit the Apprenticeship Pages for More Information:
NCRWA Apprenticeship Video
NCRWA Training
Build skills, strengthen systems