News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Dekalb Utility District using an apprenticeship program that allows employees to become certified while working.
General Manager Jon Foutch said it is often hard to earn a living while getting certifications or degrees. Foutch said the program was created so apprentices could earn certifications and level up in the industry and still be able to provide for their families.
“It’s a benefit for the employees to continue working,” Foutch said. “We’re proving a little time for time to take some classes and things like that that they wouldn’t normally have a chance to do.”
Foutch said the apprenticeship program involves older employees mentoring the apprentices.
“What the water industry is looking at, they’re having their older generations starting to retire out,” Foutch said. “And were having a huge amount of trouble having enough interest for the younger generation to come in to carry it forward.”
He said they try to train apprentices to be future leaders by stepping back and making it a hands-on experience.
“We’re educating younger employees that’s gonna be the future of their company to better serve and better be prepared for the product that we serve our community, like with the water,” Foutch said.
Foutch said this program trains apprentices to be a Water Systems operation Specialist. Apprentices come out of the program with a Waste Water Certification, Distribution Certification, and a Water Treatment Certification.
“Its a perfect opportunity for a good, smart person to be able to better theirself, in this line of work,” Foutch said.
