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The Water Tower (TWT) is a nonprofit innovation hub that's driven by transforming the future of water through cutting-edge research, workforce development, and global industry collaboration. Based in Gwinnett County, Georgia, we bring together industry leaders, utilities, private companies, NGOs, and academic institutions to tackle the world's most pressing water challenges. Our state-of-the-art facilities, living laboratory, and extensive training programs empower the next generation of water professionals while accelerating the adoption of groundbreaking technologies.

By fostering collaboration, advancing digital transformation, and bridging the gap between research and real-world application, The Water Tower is shaping a more sustainable and resilient water future - because water isn’t just a resource, it’s life itself. Visit our website: https://www.theh2otower.org/

The first step is to complete the WATER CAREER EXPLORER program. You will have access to a variety of career mapping tools and a Water 101 course. After completion of the courses, the next step is to complete the INQUIRY FORM. We will respond to that form to schedule a tour of a water or wastewater facility. After touring, you can register for a course and begin your water career with the next cohort of trainees!

The Water Tower (https://www.theh2otower.org/) provides grant-based scholarships to entry-level trainees, which cover costs of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE: hard hats, safety vests, safety glasses, steel-toed boots), course textbook rental, instructor fees, and licensing exams. Most of these programs are all-expenses-paid opportunities.

For the Georgia Classes:

Full-time courses have a 24-hour weekly time commitment. 

• In-person for 8 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction
• In-person for 8 hours for job-shadowing
• Virtual for 8 hours of online learning and assigned readings

Part-time courses for high school students have a 12-hour weekly time commitment.

• In-person for 4 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction
• In-person for 4 hours for job-shadowing
• Virtual for 4 hours of online learning and assigned readings

For other states, the classroom hours stay the same as Georgia, but the hands-on instruction and job-shadowing may range from part-time to full-time based on state requirements. Email courtney@theh2otower.org to learn more.

No college degree is required. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED by the time you complete the course and training. High school students can train during their senior year. Individuals working toward a GED may start training with proof of progress. All trainees must be at least 18 years old by the time they take the certification exam.

In order to train, you will need I9 Documents, and an Affidavit of Citizenship or Qualified Alien Documents (Georgia State Requirements). States may have different requirements; please be sure to check your state's website. 

Once you have obtained your state certification, The Water Tower will support you in your job search with resume editing, access to job postings, and by sharing your resume with our contacts in the industry. There are numerous water sector opportunities throughout the states, and many are outside of the county you train —please let us know which areas you are interested in for employment.