Wastewater Operator Certification And Training Summit Convenes Next Month
Meeting Underscores Renewed Emphasis on Education and Resources for Operators
In support of the Water Environment Federation's (WEF) ongoing commitment to improving education, training, and career growth for wastewater system operators, the association will host an invitation-only meeting for representatives from its Member Associations (MAs) and leaders from other organizations who have a stake in operations excellence.
The WEF Operator Certification and Training Summit is slated for June 23-24, 2011 in Alexandria, Va. Participants will discuss and develop an action plan regarding important challenges faced by the operations community, including the need for career growth opportunities, consistency within operator certification requirements and training, and collaboration among organizations with mutual interests.
"Wastewater system operators are true frontline protectors of public health and the environment," said WEF President Jeanette Brown. "They need and deserve more of the best education, training, and support the Federation has to offer, and we intend to deliver."
The Summit is just one aspect of the Federation's Operator Initiative, a comprehensive effort to provide an integrated program of knowledge and services for wastewater system operators. This renewed emphasis on certification and training includes adoption of a new related position statement by the WEF Board earlier this month, which calls for mandatory certification, continuing education to maintain certification, sustainable program funding, standardized certification levels and reciprocity among states, and professional recognition.
Other components of the initiative at www.wef.org/OperationsResources include an online resource center for wastewater treatment personnel in the Access Water Knowledge center at www.wef.org, WEF advocacy for grants related to training, a trial wastewater operator membership, books, study guides, online courses, and live webcasts, plus workshops, technical sessions, and more.
"It's vital that WEF provide the education and assistance to assure that wastewater operators can manage today's modern and increasingly complex systems successfully," said Brown. "We also hope to build recognition and respect for operators as the true environmental professionals that they are."
About WEF
Formed in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization with 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF and its Member Associations proudly work to achieve our mission of preserving and enhancing the global water environment. For more information, visit www.wef.org.
SOURCE: Water Environment Federation (WEF) - WEFTEC