Nov 22, 2024  
2017-2018 Course Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Water Apprenticeship


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This certificate is designed to be used by an employer to provide related training instruction (RTI) to registered apprentices in the DOL-approved Des Moines Water Works Apprenticeship Program.

Be sure to refer to the certifying body in your area to determine eligibility. In Iowa, visit the DNR website located at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/Certification/Water-Wastewater-Operators.

For more information about the Water Apprenticeship certificate, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/water.

Des Moines Wastewater Reclamation Authority and Des Moines Water Works are two separate entities, each with their own apprenticeship program.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Students may start any semester


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Attend any required information/registration session.
  3. RECOMMEND completion of a high school chemistry course or equivalent with a “C” or higher..

Graduation Requirements


To earn a Water Apprenticeship Certificate, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of 2.0 (C) or better is required in all courses required for this degree.

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 23


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$151.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
Books (approximate) 100 190 100

Approximate total for program:$3,863**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Produce and deliver safe drinking water to consumers, thereby protecting public health from waterborne diseases  and other health concerns.
  • Operate facilities and equipment designed to clean up wastewater and maintain or improve our environment.
  • Operate and maintain treatment processes and collection or distribution systems.
  • Operate and monitor controls, computerized systems, and laboratory equipment.
  • Collect and analyze water samples, interpret results, and adjust processes to achieve maximum performance.
  • Make a difference every day.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • A basic knowledge of the traditional sciences, including biology and chemistry.
  • A good knowledge of math and algebra.
  • A willingness to work indoors and outdoors.
  • A desire to protect public health and the environment.
  • Technical abilities and technological skills.
  • Good public relations skills.
  • A willingness to do a variety of tasks that contribute to water or wastewater treatment.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • Water and wastewater environmental technology is a high-growth industry that is very stable and challenging. There are a wide variety of career opportunities and specialties.
  • Field work and other hands-on experience is very important in this field. You will want to make sure you have time in your schedule to complete an internship.
  • If you are a person who is passionate about the environment, able to work with minimal supervision and reliable and accurate in your work ethic, water environmental technology may be the field for you.
  • Average starting salary $28,000-$60,000 (depending on area of interest and level of education), with opportunities to make a much higher income as you advance to higher levels of state certification.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?


  • This certificate is a customized component for apprenticeship candidates employed by Des Moines Water Works and may serve as a model for other employers.

Nondiscrimination Statement


DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.  Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6574, dkmckittrick@dmacc.edu.  Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).(2017)

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