Rose State Offering Free Entry-Level Water and Wastewater Classes Published April 11, 2022

Job opportunities to be presented to students who complete and pass DEQ tests 

Rose State College Workforce Development will be sponsoring free D-level (entry-level) water and wastewater classes May 9-12 to community members who are not currently working in the water/wastewater industry. The first qualifying 18 applicants to complete the necessary paperwork will be accepted to participate in the classes and applications are due by Wednesday, April 13. 

Minimum qualifications for participation include:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Have a High School Diploma or GED
• Valid OK Driver’s license
• Must be able to pass a drug test and background check
• Must be able to lift 50-100lb. 

Students who pass their two Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) tests are then welcome to visit the job fair at Rose State on Friday, May 13. Midwest City Public Works, Veola, Inframark, City of Norman Public Works and the City of Bethany will all be in attendance at the job fair and have agreed to reimburse Rose State for all fees associated with class instruction and testing/licensing fees ($600 value per attendee) for each employee hired from this training session. Starting wages after passing those two DEQ classes and respective certification tests is $14-21/hour. Operators quickly jump to at least $25/hr after three years of experience and additional training, which employers pay for along the way. 

“Many industry partners are currently looking for licensed operators right now,” Rose State Senior Director of the Center of Workforce Excellence in Aerospace and Cybersecurity Whitney Kolb Alvis said.  “This is our way of trying to partner with the industry to take on the upfront risk associated with training and licensing fees for those in the community interested in beginning a career in this in-demand field.” 

To apply for the water and wastewater classes on May 9-12, contact the Rose State College Workforce Development office by phone (405-733-7488) or email (training@rose.edu).