Learn how the Water and Wastewater Technology Program was Developed
Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT)
- Fox Metro Water Reclamation District
- Naperville/Springbook Reclamation District
- Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District
- Flagg Creek Water Reclamation District
- Downers Grove Sanitary District
- Public Works, Oswego
- Currentwater.org
- Illinois Water Environment Association
- Illinois Section American Water Works Association (ISAWWA)
- Water Environment Federation (WEF)
- Central States Water Environmental Association (CSWEA)
- Kane County Environmental & Water Resources
- American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Members for the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) identified and prioritized the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) for inclusion in the new certificate program.
The BILT members were actively selected to provide support and co-leadership in the following areas of partnership:
- Subject matter reviews of the new curriculum
- Aligning the curriculum with industry needs
- Voting on and validating the key course topics
- Assisting with instructional support
- Providing guidance for internship sites
- Supporting student participation in local professional organizations
- Suggesting emerging trends so the curriculum can remain nimble and our graduates are employment-ready
These BILT members helped align the KSAs to a 16-week curriculum where students will learn and be assessed based on course objectives that prepare them for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Class D Drinking Water and Class 4 Wastewater Operator certifications.
Curriculum
The new certificate program was designed by aligning existing curriculum and materials with prioritized KSAs, determining the number of courses, pre-requisites, and course sequence, and adapting or creating new course materials. The course materials were developed with two subject matter experts who were also BILT members. They have previous educational experience which enabled them to assist with the curriculum design process. One of them is affiliated with Wastewater Treatment Microbiology, Incorporated, the winner of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s National “Spark Plug Award” for Operator Trainers, while the other is from the drinking water section of the Wisconsin Rural Water Association.
These BILT members helped align the KSAs to a 16-week curriculum where students will learn and be assessed based on course objectives that prepare them for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Class D Drinking Water and Class 4 Wastewater Operator certifications.
View Water/Wastewater Technology Certificate Course Requirements
Pictured: Toni Glymph-Martin, Wastewater Microbiologist and Treatment System Solutions Expert
Students
We are using the cohort model. In Cohort 1, we have 20+ students who are taking the courses outlined on the schedule in the program brochure.
Experiential Learning
Through work-based experiential learning opportunities via credit based internships, students will be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet employer expectations.
Pictured: Cohort 1 students attended the Water Environment Federation's Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC), the largest conference of its kind in North America, with water quality professionals from around the world.
