High School graduates earn more than a diploma through innovative collaboration

COLLEGE STATION – Through an innovative new program, high school graduates have the opportunity to earn their Class D Water Operator and Class D Wastewater Operator license.

The Conroe Independent School District, in partnership with the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), worked to enable students to achieve this certification, which will place them in a key position for immediate entry into a career with any water/wastewater utility in the state of Texas.

The inaugural class at Oak Ridge High School completed the laboratory portion of the training on Nov. 19, utilizing the TEEX Mobile Water Lab. This state of the art self-contained mobile facility gave the students the opportunity to apply what they have been learning in the classroom.

The TEEX Water and Wastewater Training Program is approved for credit by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for training necessary to acquire and maintain the required class of license for all positions in the water and wastewater field.

“There is a tremendous need for skilled workers in this area of public utilities” said TEEX Training Manager Ken Olson. “The current workforce is comprised primarily of Baby Boomers who are beginning to retire.”

About TEEX
The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of emergency response, homeland security and workforce training, exercises, technical assistance, and economic development. TEEX offers on-site, customized training and services to businesses and industries, municipalities and public agencies across the globe. TEEX is a member of The Texas A&M University System.