Eugene/Springfield Water Pollution Control Facility 1984-1991

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Section J: TRAINING PROGRAM Page 73 The operators of the Cannery Waste Management Facility were previously under the same wastewa- ter program as the operations staff at the regional plant. However, due to the combining of cannery waste and sludge management work groups and their exemption from the regional plant job skills requirements, the Residuals Management techni- cians are currently forming their own apprentice- ship program. ^ OUTSIDE TRAINING The development of skills and knowledge that allow individuals andwork groups to achieve high levels of productivity is very dependent on outside training opportunities.0utside traininggiveswork- ers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of existing processes and methodologies, to learn about new technology, to understand state and federal rules, to learn to work better as a team, and to achieve individual and organizational goals. Furthermore, opportunities for outside training promote afeelingofpride andprofessionalism that contribute to a higher degree of job satisfaction. WORKSHOPS ~ SEMINARS CONFERENCES Mostoutside technical trainingis obtainedthrough workshops and conferences, such as the annual conference of the Pacific Northwest Pollution ControlAssociation.Technicalworkshopsinchide cross-connecting control, activated sludge process control, pump operation and maintenance, and Most of the wastewater apprenticeship programs are fully developed at this time. The program continues to undergo refinement, and some areas are finishing up training modules forthethree-year apprenticeships. Afull set of tests for each training module has been finalized for most of the programs. All apprentices must record 6,000 hours of experi- ence in their respective programs, pass all module tests and a final exam, andpass a vote by theirpeers before they can achieve journeyman status. lagoon operation. Many subjects in management and supervision of wastewater systems are also covered. Conferences often present new findings and case studies involving research and new tech- nology. In addition to the formal presentations, attendees learn informally through the sharing of information and ideas with other wastewater pro- fessionals. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS The City and its employees are fortunate to have schools such as the University of Oregon and Lane Community College as resources for training and continuing education for performance improve- mentandcareerdevelopment. Dependingonavail- ability offunds and the relationship of course work to job and career development needs, the City may pay half or all of tuition expenses and may allow employees toattendclassesonpaidtimeor"flexed" work hours.