HRSD's Apprenticeship Program Overview
HRSD Apprenticeship Brochure (pdf)
HRSD created the nation's first wastewater industry Apprenticeship Program to perpetuate excellence in our workforce. Our Apprenticeship Program is custom-designed to help individuals achieve the training and experience needed for a successful HRSD career.
HRSD's Apprenticeship Program is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. All can be completed in four years. The description of duties for each career can help you select the position that is right for you. The number of job openings in each career determines the number of apprenticeship opportunities available.
Apprenticeship Program Benefits
- FREE Classroom training
- PAID On-the-job training
- FREE Textbooks
- REIMBURSEMENT for mileage
- Regular training increases
- Top-notch instructors, including licensed professional engineers
- Tutoring available
- Enhanced promotional opportunities throughout Hampton Roads and the Middle Peninsula
- Recognized and/or approved by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Virginia Community College System, the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
- Veterans' benefits available for qualified participants
- Exemptions for on-the-job training and/or prior related coursework may be approved by the Apprenticeship Committee.
Apprenticeship Frequently Asked Questions
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1. You must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- A high school or vocational school graduate or have a GED
- Physically able to perform the work
2. You must apply and be hired into one of HRSD's Apprenticeship trade positions. Openings for any of our
Apprenticeship trades are based on the current listing of job openings. -
Plant Operator
Operates and controls various wastewater treatment plant processes and equipment. Performs field and laboratory tests. Collects, analyzes and records data on wastewater treatment samples. Operator apprentices obtain the skills and credits needed to earn their wastewater licenses and the accompanying bonuses.Interceptor Technician
Maintains and repairs interceptor system force mains, gravity mains, pump stations and equipment such as pumps and compressors. Assures proper servicing and readiness of equipment. Maintains stocks of expendable tools, fittings, pipes and other materials.Maintenance Operator
Performs maintenance and repair activities for wastewater treatment facilities.Electrician
Performs complex and specialized electrical maintenance and repair operations for wastewater treatment plant and pump station electrical systems. Uses specialized tools, computers and testing equipment to install, maintain, repair and replace electrical equipment, motors and generators.Instrumentation Specialist
Uses highly specialized tools, computers and testing equipment to install, inspect, maintain, repair and replace electronic and pneumatic instrumentation equipment in wastewater treatment plants and pump stations. This equipment includes meters, programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives and distributed control systems. Troubleshoots malfunctioning mechanisms, performs maintenance and periodic inspections of all instruments in order to calibrate and adjust in accordance with industry standards.Small Communities Operator
Operates and performs maintenance activities for wastewater treatment facilities. Performs sample testing, data collection, analysis, and recording. Performs maintenance on gravity vacuum and force main systems. Responds to Miss Utility and service calls.Automotive Technician
Performs repairs and maintenance on automotive and engine-powered equipment used by HRSD. Troubleshoots and repairs gasoline, natural gas, propane and diesel engines.Carpenter
Builds, repairs, alters and maintains wood structures, buildings and furnishings. Prepares and paints wood, metals, plaster and sheetrock surfaces.Machinist
Fabricates rebuilds and repairs replacement parts for large mechanical equipment. -
Apprenticeship openings are posted on our iRecruitment site. The Posting Overview section will indicate whether a particular posting is for an Apprenticeship position. Unless otherwise indicated, a posting for any of the careers listed above will require participation in the Apprenticeship Program once hired.
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Simply apply online using HRSD's iRecruitment site. Once you have created your candidate profile you should apply for the position(s) you wish to be considered for.
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Skill testing is required in order to qualify for most Apprenticeship positions.
The Plant Operator, Maintenance Operator, Small Communities Operator and Interceptor Technician trades require successful completion of a Math Skills Assessment. This assessment covers general arithmetic topics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, long division, fractions, decimals, percents, and word problems. Calculator usage is not permitted. A passing score must be obtained in order to be considered for these trades. The test can be retaken one time in three months if a passing score is not obtained on the first attempt.
The Electrician and Instrumentation Specialist trades require completion of a skills test which covers subject matter specific to the electrical and instrumentation trades. -
Yes, if you create a candidate profile on our iRecruitment site you can elect to receive email notifications anytime a new posting is available. If you already have a profile in the Candidate Self-Service system you can sign up for notifications by logging in to your profile, clicking on the Unsubscribe to E-mail Notifications link and changing your answer to Yes.
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Contact Human Resources at 757.460.7303. Office hours are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm EST, Monday through Friday (except holidays).