Tacoma Water's Potable Water Supply and Service Worker Apprenticeship Program provides pre-journey-level training consisting of detailed instruction and experience as required to assure adequate training in developing a skilled, competent journey-level worker.

The entry-level position for the Tacoma Water Apprenticeship Program is Water Utility Worker. Upon hire as a permanent Water Utility Worker, there is a nine-month probationary period. After three months of probation, candidates will be eligible to apply to the apprenticeship program and will be accepted on a space available basis. All permanent Water Utility Workers are required to enter and successfully complete apprenticeship training within three and a half years from their permanent hire date. Eligible veterans can use their G.I. Bill benefits during their apprenticeship training.

Our apprenticeship program requires 3,000 hours of on-the-job training and 11 after-hours classes which are typically held from 5 to 9 p.m. one night per week. The program requires apprentices to maintain a 2.1 or better grade point average for successful completion. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices will be eligible to apply for journey-level positions with Tacoma Water.

Standards of apprenticeship can be found at http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Apprenticeship/files/standards/0059.pdf