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New Training Opportunities for 2018 NC Rural Water Association, in response to our association members' request, is now offering two new training opportunities to meet the evolving needs of their employees. First is the Entry Level Supervisors' Training, which was developed to prepare the up and coming leaders in the local water and wastewater systems to begin the process of transitioning into the crew or department leader positions. The response to past Entry Level Supervisors' workshops has been extremely positive from both those just entering the supervisor level and those who have been in the driver's seat for quite some time. Many new supervisors have said the ideas discussed with the training group during the day gave them a method of approaching the new responsibilities with more confidence. More experienced supervisors stated they would have benefited greatly from this type of training if it had been made available earlier in their careers. The 6 hour workshop is limited to a maximum of 18 participants. Keeping the class size small allows more interaction between the participants with each person contributing to the discussion, as well as offering input on our topics in a very relaxed atmosphere. An added benefit of this training is attendees will gain 6 hours of continuing education credit for both water and wastewater certification. Our second new training is the Maintenance Technician's Workshop. This recertification workshop will focus on the maintenance side of water/wastewater system operation. We will also be limiting this training class size to 30 participants, to allow more involvement with the presenters during any hands-on opportunities. Subjects during this training will be of particular interest to those holding the Maintenance Technologist certification needing continuing education credit hours or holding water/wastewater operators certification who have maintenance responsibilities. Topics will rotate from one training session to another, but planned topics will include but are not limited to: pump operation and rehabilitation, hydraulic system repairs, basic electrical operation and safety, fuel management for fleet vehicles and generators, understanding control systems, reading plans and specs, inventory management and workplace safety. We are currently seeking approval for 6 hours of continuing education training from both the NC Water Treatment Operators Certification Board and the NC Water Pollution Control Systems Operator Certification Commission. We are also looking for those who provide mechanical services to the water/wastewater systems or who are highly skilled maintenance operators who may be interested in passing on knowledge by serving as presenters for this training. If you have questions, are interested in becoming a presenter at any NCRWA workshop, or would like to bring either of these trainings to your system, please contact NCRWA Training Specialist Carlton Smith at 336-247-6470 or at [email protected]. I look forward to seeing you at training events in the upcoming year and encourage you to get your continuing education hours as early as practical this year to avoid that end of the year rush. NCRWA Backflow Courses NCRWA offers the ORC (Operator in Charge) course four times a year, they are offered in Wilmington 4/16-4/20, Asheville 6/25-6/29, Raleigh 7/16-7/20 and Carthage 8/10-8/14. The course is five days (32 hours). Students will learn what is involved in setting up a program to protect their city's water system from containment, as well as cross connections, federal laws, state laws and how to write an ordinance for local laws. They will also get hands-on training in testing backflow preventers, troubleshooting and how the hydraulics of a water system works. The students must pass a practical exam to be able to take the state exam. Backflow Tester Certification Course and Recertification Courses are offered by NCRWA in five different locations across the state, Asheboro, Asheville, Carthage, Raleigh and Wilmington. The certification course is a five-day (30 hours) course and is designed to assure that participants develop the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct effective backflow prevention installation, testing, and if necessary, repairs on all major types of backflow prevention assemblies. Theoretical and practical applications, as well as, hands-on testing of backflow prevention assemblies are covered. To attain certification, students must pass the written exam AND the practical exam assembly. They will also get any information on any updates across the state. Backflow Recertification is a two-day course (9 hours) is designed to assure that participants maintain the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct effective backflow prevention installation, testing and if necessary, repairs on all major types of backflow prevention assemblies. Theoretical and practical applications, as well as hands-on testing of backflow prevention assemblies are reviewed. Regulatory updates and current industry practice as well. Students must pass a written exam and a practical exam. Backflow Repair Course is offered twice a year, it is a three-day course (19 hours) in Carthage and Raleigh. The students will learn how to repair backflow preventers and will receive hands-on training on different makes and models of various types of backflow preventers. The students must pass a written exam after the course to attain a certificate. Links to all courses are on our website's Backflow & Cross Connection Training page.