Times Are A Changing in 2020: A Trained Workforce Promotes a Motivated Team at the City of Columbia SC Wastewater Management Division

The City of Columbia (City) embarked on an ambitious program of projects and initiatives developed for the city-owned and operated wastewater collection and transmission system WCTS). This multi-year program, branded the Clean Water 2020 Program (CW2020), is in response to requirements under a 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 WCTS formalized their training program for new and existing employees that operate and maintain the WCTS. This paper describes the steps to create a program approved by the United States Department of Labor in 2014 and the results of the program.