Plant Operator Apprenticeship 2026

About the Program:

Whether you have the mechanical aptitude or are a problem-solving guru, Clayton County Water Authority Plant Operator Apprenticeship program is designed to turn students into effective Plant Operators that the complex water industry needs. The Apprentice (Plant Operator) works 10 hours a week, performs entry level work going through a training program to learn the operation and maintenance of a computer-controlled plant. The goal of the program is for the student to gain certification by the State of Georgia as a certified Water Plant Operator. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a Certified Plant Operator.

What You’ll Learn:

Students will learn how to monitor, maintain and adjust a wide variety of systems found in the plants through hands-on learning and on-the-job training. As an apprentice you will have the opportunity to learn from licensed plant operators.

Essential Tasks:

Under the supervision of a certified operator, the apprentice performs works associated with the operation of a treatment plant;

Participate in assigned treatment plant rounds including inspecting, monitoring, troubleshooting, performance testing and documenting plant processes by reading plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, online analyzers, computer screens, meters, SCADA systems and other instrumentation;

Assist in operating and adjusting treatment plant pumps, motors, feeders and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations;

Maintain, compile and update plant operations logs and reports; perform and record mathematical calculations related to plant operational activities under supervision;

Assist in installing, maintaining, repairing, modifying, troubleshooting and servicing plant operations machinery and equipment including pumps, valves, motors, meters, tanks, reservoirs, feeders, and online analyzers; change lubrications;

Work closely with the laboratory on testing processes;

Participate in a variety of special projects as assigned;

Perform related duties as required;

Required Qualifications:

Must be a junior in a Clayton County High School

Must currently be enrolled in a CTAE Work-Based Learning program in Clayton County Public Schools

Pay:

$15.00 per hour