 The Apprenticeship Program provides a rare entry-level opportunity to build a stable, rewarding career in the environmental field, working in state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facilities in one of three occupations: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Control Systems Technician, and Maintenance Technician. Each Apprenticeship combines required supplemental instruction with comprehensive on-the-job training, working with LOTT’s skilled journey-level staff. Upon successful completion of the program, our Apprentices "graduate" to become fully skilled Operators, Control System Technicians, or Maintenance Technicians for the LOTT Alliance. |
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Becoming an Apprentice LOTT’s Apprenticeships are highly sought-after positions that, when advertised, have attracted up to 150 qualified applicants. The Control Systems Technician and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeships are open for new applicants on an "as needed" basis. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprenticeship opens approximately every two to three years. Applicants to the Apprenticeship Program must be at least 18 years of age, must have a high school diploma or GED, and must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License. All applicants who meet these criteria are invited to complete an aptitude test. Candidates are selected for interviews based on their test scores. At the completion of the interview process, successful candidates are placed on a roster, which is used for up to two years to fill vacant positions.  
What to Expect as an Apprentice Apprentices are required to enter into an apprenticeship contract that, in addition to assigned duties, requires a minimum of 144 hours per year of related coursework. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Apprenticeship is a 2½ year program, which also requires completion of a Wastewater Technology distance learning program. The Control Systems Technician and Maintenance Technician Apprenticeships are 3 year programs that require a combination of vocational education (such as welding) and self-paced coursework. Since the LOTT Alliance invests a great deal in training for this program, Apprentices are required to make a service commitment to the LOTT Alliance after completion of their 6-month initial probationary period. The service commitment is equivalent to the duration of the Apprenticeship. Repayment of training costs may be required for failure to fulfill the service commitment. In the Words of An Apprentice Here’s what a current LOTT Apprentice had to say about the Apprenticeship Program. And, you can roll your curser over the photo to see him in action. 
Borek Busta Operator Apprentice LOTT’s Apprenticeship Program offers an entry into a profession that has a tremendously positive, visible, and immediate impact on the environment – the bays of Puget Sound. The program also offers an introduction into the leading technologies and the latest scientific advancements in conserving, treating, and reclaiming water, dealing directly with one of the most pressing issues facing our society.
Apprenticeship Program Profiled LOTT’s Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program was profiled on the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries website. The article features Alex Desmonie, the first maintenance apprentice hired in LOTT’s program, as well as Maintenance Supervisor, Mike Seelig. 
Learn More For more information and the requirements of the program, please see the Standards of Apprenticeship for the WWTP Operator, and the Control Systems Technician and Maintenance Technician Program. If you would like additional information, please send us an email, or call Human Resources at (360) 528-5715. |