The AWWA High-Tech Operator Certificate Program

Issue

Water utilities are increasingly investing in technology systems and using these systems more extensively to control operations and conduct the business of running a utility. To support this change, utilities have found they need to improve their personnel’s understanding of these technologies to realize the full benefits these systems offer.

Solution

In 2007, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) contracted with Westin to create their national High-Tech Operator Certificate Program, aimed at developing operators who have a fundamental understanding of advanced technologies used in the water utility field.
Westin worked with the AWWA to develop the curriculum and design training materials for three, two-day courses (six days total) that address both Technical and Managerial subjects. Course topics are:

• Course 1: Treatment and Distribution – Process Monitoring and Control
• Course 2: Applications/Tools – CMMS, CAD, GIS, GPS, Communication
• Course 3: Data Management for Assets and Processes – LANs, Server-Based, Web-Hosted, Data Sharing, Data Security.

Instructors are supported by comprehensive training materials including:

• Instructional Plan: Course Description, Prerequisites, Objectives, Outline
• Facilitator Guide: Lesson Plan, Discussion Prompters, Group Activities
• Participant Guide: Interactive Reference and Learning Resource
• PowerPoint Presentation: Graphics, Visuals, and Links
• Evaluation Forms: Daily Feedback and Assessment Tool
• Certificate of Completion: Issued for 90% Attendance.

Westin piloted the program with the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility, solicited participant comments, and revised the training materials based on the participant responses.

Outcomes

The AWWA adopted the High-Tech Operator Certificate Program curriculum and training materials and is now offering the courses in an instructor-led format. Members of Westin’s technical staff are serving as instructors for these courses on behalf of AWWA.