Fleming College’s water technology expertise leads to new co-op program
Fleming College is launching a new program to meet the demands of the water industry in Ontario.
The Advanced Water Systems Operation and Management Co-op program is a 37-week Graduate Certificate program that will be offered at the Frost Campus. It prepares students to work in water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater treatment, as well as inspection or enforcement. The program includes a 12-week paid co-op placement in a facility or industrial setting, which ensures students get hands-on, real-world experience.
“Ontario has a growing need for highly skilled water and wastewater treatment plant operators.” said Jane Pagel, former CEO, Ontario Clean Water Agency.
The provision of safe drinking water and the effective treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater are expanding fields in the environmental sector. The Ontario government has passed into law rigorous training requirements for water and wastewater treatment operators, in response to recommendations made in the Walkerton Commission of Inquiry reports. Under the Safe Water Drinking Act, operators require training and certification to run these systems safely.
Advanced Water Systems will provide graduates with the knowledge needed to pass the Ministry of Environment Licensing and Certification exams for Water and Wastewater Operators. As well, graduates will be considered Operators in Training and can use the program as a pathway to the Level 1 Operator. The 12-week co-op counts toward the 12 months of experience required for Level 1.
“This program leverages the water and wastewater technology expertise we have at the Frost Campus,” says Brent Wootton, Director and Senior Scientist for Fleming’s Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment (CAWT). “The Advanced Water Systems program will have access to the innovative research occurring at the CAWT, and students will further benefit from the Frost Campus’ strong community and industry partnerships.”
The CAWT is recognized internationally for its applied research specializing in innovative and emerging wastewater treatment. The Centre provides numerous learning opportunities via lectures, participation in applied research lab experiments, field work and student-technician employment and internships.
About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Community Development and Health, Continuing Education, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Science, Justice and Business, and Skilled Trades and Technology. Fleming College has more than 5,900 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and more than 65,000 alumni.
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For more information:
Laura Copeland, Communications Officer, laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca or 705.749.5530 x 1370