Columbia, South Carolina Cleanwater 2020 – An Approved Department of Labor Wastewater System Apprenticeship Training Program

The City of Columbia (City) is embarking on an ambitious program of projects and initiatives developed for the city-owned and operated wastewater system. This multi-year program, branded the Clean Water 2020 Program (CW2020), is in response to requirements under a recently issued USEPA Consent Decree and is designed to improve water quality and protect the safety and health of citizens focusing on wastewater infrastructure renewal and upgrades, and operational improvements. The development of a training program is at the forefront of CW 2020. The wastewater treatment and collection systems must formalize their training program for new and existing employees that operate and maintain these wastewater systems. This paper describes the steps to create a program approved by the United States Department of Labor.