MsRWA Job Opening – Apprentice Program Manager

Job Announcement Date: August 17, 2023

Job Announcement Closure Date: August 25, 2023 (with reservation to close prior to without further notice)

Position Title:  Apprentice Program Manager

Location:  Pearl, Mississippi (Mississippi At-Large)

Hours:   Full Time Position 

 Job Description:

The Apprentice Program Manager will oversee the apprenticeship program and will spend 100% of their time ensuring training courses and material utilized meet acceptable criteria for standardized training materials; provided specialized training, workshops, exams, certificates and certifications as needed, provided standardized record-keeping templates for database platforms to uniformly administer the program; provide technical assistance on program administration and operations, including accepting and review of applications to the program, determining acceptable selection procedures that are in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity hiring practices, or establishing a record-keeping system capable of validating the quality and effectiveness of the training program; accept and respond to inquiries from prospective apprenticeship applicants and affiliate members concerning registration processes; assists and advise local sponsors for maintaining “good faith efforts” and ensure all participation is documented; disseminate apprenticeship opening announcements throughout the year; maintain a composite record of all registered apprentices in the MsRWA Apprenticeship Program to include completion and cancellation rates, diversity utilization in the programs, and statistical norms for wages and benefits nationwide; ensure related instruction and on the-the job-learning requirements are continuously updated with technology and industry practices; assist in developing AR/VR modules; observing training; assist in developing narratives, transfer knowledge from operator to developer; and provide feedback to AR/VR developer to better training process.

Reports to:  Kirby Mayfield, CEO

Salary:  Negotiable based upon training and experience.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or  ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Must meet faculty qualification as identified by Mississippi Rural Water Association and have knowledge and experience in the field assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, include the following:

The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and Mississippi Rural Water Affiliates (MSRWA) has identified Registered Apprenticeship as the training model for Water and Wastewater System Operations Specialists and has dedicated time and resources to develop an efficient training program so apprentices can, through a systematic program of related instruction and on-the-job learning, become well-qualified.  Apprenticeship Training Coordinators/Program Managers carry out the day-to-day operations of these registered apprenticeship programs which include:

  • Following the Registered Apprenticeship Standards of Procedure, Affirmative Action Plan (AAP), Qualifications & Selection Procedures and all related documents.
  • Serving as a liaison to all parties involved in registered apprenticeship (employers, mentors, instructors, apprentices) communicating all aspects of registered apprenticeship in a way that each participant understands their role.
  • To maintain a thorough understanding of apprenticeship requirements.
  • Recruit and promote the State Rural Water Association (SRWA) apprenticeship program to potential participation employers, primacy agencies, community organizations, and applicants.
  • Monitoring the training needs of the participating employer and map out learning and development plans for apprentices, analyzing their training progress.
  • Ensure implementation of Standards of Apprenticeship by all participating employers and delivery of program activities including the on-the-job training and the related instruction.
  • Research opportunities for enhanced career pathways based on updated workforce planning.
  • Use the NRWA Apprenticeship Tracking System for all applicants, apprentices, mentors, and instructors and update all records keeping in a timely manner.
  • Track and monitor all apprentice OJT hours, mentor evaluations, wage progression and RTI through the NRWA ATS keeping all invested parties aware of progression.
  • Stay apprised of any changes in DOL or State Registration Agency regulation or policies that pertain to registered apprenticeship.
  • Handle all aspects of Registered Apprenticeship Quality Assurance Assessments and Compliance Reviews conducted by the Regulatory Agency.
  • Develop partnerships with Veterans Education Accreditation Agencies, Workforce Services, and community-based organizations, seeking to create a diverse workforce, especially in accordance with the identified written Affirmative Action Plan.
  • Recruitment of Participating Employers and apprentice candidates.
  • Possess the ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with a range of both internal and external stakeholders.
  • The ability to understand and navigate the State Workforce Service system and Local Workforce Development Boards in seeking funding available to registered apprenticeship program sponsors through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, assisting Participating Employers understand this as well.
  • Develop youth outreach/promotional material plans and partnerships to engage the next generation to ensure a future talent pipeline.

Previous experience of working with the provision or management of apprenticeship programs, working in the education, training, and skills sector and/or knowledge, and experience and apprenticeships and/or workforce development is helpful. Other duties may be assigned.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Mississippi Rural Water Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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