Water and Wastewater Training offered at UHMC

By Maui Now Staff

The Sustainable Living Institute of Maui at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is offering the ‘Water/Wastewater Treatment Entry Level Plant Operator Training’ for current and aspiring entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant operators.

The goal of this training is to prepare the next generation of water stewards to manage this precious resource.

The training begins Sept. 8 and runs for three months on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 8:30.

Steve Parabicoli, who has over 35 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry in Hawai‘i, will provide the instruction for this series. He has served as  Maui County’s Wastewater Operations Program superintendent, Water Recycling Program coordinator and Wastewater Reclamation Facility supervisor.

“The course will give students an opportunity to enter a dynamic industry,” said Parabicoli. “The industry needs qualified personnel to fill these vacancies, as safe drinking water and a clean environment are so critically important for the protection of public health.”

Parabicoli calls those in the profession “unsung heroes,” who often go unnoticed. “But just think, if we did not have these dedicated professionals working to ensure that our tap water is safe to drink and our environment is protected from water pollution,” added Parabicoli.

The Department of Health Boards of Certification have approved Continuing Education Units for this class. Wastewater operators will earn 11 CEUs; Water operators will earn 7.2 CEUs.

This 90-hour training costs $1,900 and includes four textbooks.

Tuition assistance through Employment Training Funds through Workforce Development may be available for qualifying applicants.

To apply to the training, go online or call 984-3391.

For further information, contact Melanie Stephens via email.