MsRWA Apprenticeship Wage Offset Scholarship

Mississippi Rural Water Association, Inc., is offering a limited number of Apprenticeship Wage Offset Scholarships.

To qualify for the scholarship, the apprentice must meet the requirements of entry into the apprenticeship program:

• • Must have a high school diploma or a GED
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Must have the physical ability to do the job with minimum assistance
  • Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check (or a letter from the applying system stating that the apprentice has met hiring requirements)

The water system must also meet the following requirements:

• • The system must provide a mentor to the apprentice.  The mentor must be a certified operator.  Only one mentor to an apprentice is allowed.
  • The apprentice must be hired as a full-time employee.
  • The system must allow the apprentice to attend all classes.  Classes are held twice a month, either in person or virtually.
  • The system must begin the apprentice earning a minimum of $15.00 per hour.
  • The system must provide raises to the apprentice when the apprentice reaches certain benchmarks at 6-month intervals.  The amount of the raise is predetermined by the system & the Apprenticeship Coordinator and must be approved by the board or management. This wage increase will be put into contract form and filed with the Department of Labor (DOL). Raises are a DOL requirement.

The Wage Offset Scholarship is for a total of $4,800.00 and is based on 640 hours at $7.50 per hour.  The reimbursement is paid to the system upon the apprentice’s successful completion of the 2-year Apprenticeship Program.

The Apprenticeship Program is offered at no cost to the water system or the apprentice.  Mississippi Rural Water Association, Inc., will provide all training materials at no cost.

To apply for the scholarship, you can download the Application Form and email the completed form to Randy Turnage at rturnage@msrwa.org.

The deadline to submit scholarship applications is July 26, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Randy Turnage at rturnage@msrwa.org.