Water and Wastewater Technician Training Institute (WTTI)

The Water and Wastewater Laboratory Analysis DNA Cloning and Sequencing Operational Troubleshooting Specialized Training Mapping and Modeling Sampling and Monitoring Applications Development Proof-of-Concept and Technology Verification The CWRS is organized into three divisions - The Water Analysis, Training, Education and Research Services laboratory consortium, providing state-of-the-art water, wastewater and microbiological analytical services; the Environmental Informatics and Information Technology division, specializing in expert systems technology and environmental software applications development; and the Field Operations and Outreach division, providing in-field technology verification, mapping and monitoring services.">Center for Water Resource Studies and the Bowling Green Community College of Western Kentucky University have formed a partnership to address a Water & Wastewater Operator/Technician shortage anticipated over the next few years as "Baby Boomers" retire. The Water and Wastewater Technician Training Institute (WTTI, pronounced "witty"), is a partnership with the employment sector (a growing number of water & waste water utilities/municipalities/districts), state primacy agencies and technical assistance/trade associations to refine an industry needs driven curriculum that utilizes on-line course delivery to provide options for both traditional & non-traditional students. Partnering utilities and municipalities are developing internship and co-operative educational opportunities to ensure work-based experiences for students in the program, while the trade associations have committed to developing scholarship programs to lessen the financial disincentive for potential students. All aspects of the program will be available through an on-line environment, allowing current practitioners to participate both as mentors, and as students pursuing career advancement goals. To access the WTTI online go to http://WaterKY.org