Career Exploration

Resources for Students

California’s water industry provides many career paths that can be obtained with different levels of education from certification to technical and four-year degrees and above. This section provides information on operator certification, apprenticeship programs and industry associations, which can provide valuable networking and training opportunities for free or a reduced fee.

• State Water Resources Control Board – Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Operator Certification Program
• State Water Resources Control Board – Wastewater Operator Certification Program
• American Water Works Association – CA-NV Chapter Student Membership
• California Water Environmental Association – Student Membership
• Metropolitan Water District – Apprenticeship Program
• Department of Water Resources – Apprenticeship Program

Resources for Educators

Educators are critical to supporting water industry career explorations for students of all ages. The following free curriculum resources are available to support career and technical education (CTE) in the classroom.

• Metropolitan Water District – UC A-G Approved Academic and CTE Curriculum
• Center for Water Studies – Career-themed Classroom Modules
• California Water Environment Association – Request a CA Water Careers Speaker

High School Lesson Plan

Objective

1. Students will be able to introspectively explore, analyze and describe their:
   • Aptitudes toward academic and vocational disciplines and preferred life-experiences
   • Preferred work responsibilities and tasks
   • Preferred work environments
2. Students will be able to browse through a video library and view short, self-recorded testimonies of water professionals describing their job positions. Students will be encouraged to compare their career aspirations to selected water jobs and identify those water jobs that closely align with their aspirations as well as those positions that do not align.
3. Students share their findings in a group discussion.

Download Lesson Plan

West Basin Career Spotlights Playlist

West Basin/WRD Water Industry Careers Panel Library