Did you know that October 23, 2019 was National “Imagine a Day Without Water” day?

With all these special days throughout the year we tend to lose track of all those important days. I personally like “pi day.” Some restaurants on “pi day,” which is March 14^th (3.14 or π), will give you a free piece of pie with an entree. That is pretty neat if you like pie, and I do fall into that group.

However, when we think about a day without water, there is really nothing fun about that at all. Having spent many days in that situation, I can state honestly that it is truly not fun. The longest time was after a typhoon that hit the island of Guam. We were prepared in that we had stored water, nonperishable food, and had water stored in two tubs. The 15 days seemed like an eternity, but imagine those experiencing these issues several times a month or more. Not all from storms, but from failed aged equipment, water shortages, dry wells, poor water quality, and other issues.

For many of us, we do not think about water until the faucet no longer has running water, but water is a key to healthy living, hygiene, proper waste water disposal in populated areas, and so much more.

At Moraine Park Technical College, our Water Quality Technology program, which is a two-year associates degree, covers some of these exact issues. It covers water supply, from the ground and surface. Courses include advanced subjects in water and wastewater, hydraulics, chemistry and management.

If you have interest in working in a field that is highly rewarding, has numerous employment opportunities here and abroad, and can also involves working in areas that need assistance with the supply of safe drinking water, then take a look at our program. Graduates and those holding degrees in this important area of expertise have obtained positions working for municipalities, States, Territories, the US Government, private companies, engineering firms, water parks, breweries, packaging plants, mills, consultants, non-profits, and many other positions in industry and water related areas.

The sky is the limit, the opportunity is here to be a part of something important. Imagine, a day without water. Maybe you can be a part of ending that type of real experience reflection for many people-here locally, or overseas.

Learn more about the water quality technology associate degree program here.

I hope you enjoyed the July 4th activities around the State, and still have plans to enjoy the outdoors as we enter the second half of summer. For those attending our certification courses and others that have recently passed their State certification exams, congratulations. Enjoy your successes. Thank you for the emails, as your success is why we offer these important courses.

We all have heard and talked about present and projected openings in the career field. Shortages of employees are being felt here and in other States. Many times’ we are in competition with other entities that need educated employees to fill varying positions, including operations staff. We look toward consistent staffing and hope to promote strong programs that enable successful succession planning.

Here at Moraine Park Technical College, we have been training students in water and wastewater for years. With ever changing updated curriculum, great input from our programs advisory committee, and related experiences in the field, our Water Quality Technology program remains a strong valuable tool for students and potential employers. For participants in the short water certification courses, their successes with related State exams, continues to promote those efforts as well.

If you or your utility, community or organization, are considering succession planning, then please look to Moraine Park Technical College to be a part of that effort. The wheel, so to speak, has been invented and it has been quite successful, so please look to a strong, proven education, as a part of your succession plans.

Courses for the Water Quality Technology program which leads to an accredited Associated Degree, start in August. Enrollment in the online courses are now underway. For more information, visit
www.morainepark.edu/programs/water+quality+technology/. Certification courses that prepare participants for the seven state water certification sub-grades, also start in late August. Registration is also open for those courses. View the schedule for the upcoming year here. Moraine Park credits are also transferable to 4-year schools, many of which offer online programs as well.

Finally, if you are in need of employees, please consider Moraine Park students and graduates, and consider using Wisconsin TechConnect as a posting site for each opportunity. Wisconsin TechConnect reaches out to all students throughout the Wisconsin Technical College System that are in programs related to the position offered. If you have an opening, always feel free to send it my way, and I will forward to students and graduates. I can also get you in touch with the MPTC Wisconsin TechConnect representative, who will assist you in your efforts.

Please consider our program and courses in your succession planning, as a strong education is truly the building blocks to entity and employee success.

When considering a career path, many look to the well-known careers that are out front and visual. Maybe this is because a relative, friend, or professional in the field that left a lasting impression. Regardless, when making career decisions we typically go through many processes, and sometimes we even change our paths mid-way.

Water quality technology is a career that is close to my heart. When I was in high school, I was unsure of what I wanted to do. As life unfolded, I found myself working in the field and it became apparent that I needed more education. So, enrolled in college as an adult learner. As time passed in my water quality technology career I found myself responsible for a wide variety of tasks and my education helped me to understand the many technologies and processes. I have been fortunate to have some positions in my career that have given me the opportunity to work locally, nationally, and even overseas. 

We often take for granted water running from our faucets, or in our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Even more, we rarely think of the skilled tradespeople who are working in water plants, providing safe drinking water for our communities and the environment.

So, why not consider a job in water quality technology? This career is rewarding, sustainable, challenging, and interesting, as well as very important. The most identifiable position is in municipal work, but there are also commercial and private industry positions as well. This career offers many opportunities all over the world. 

So, the next time you take a drink of water from the faucet, take a shower or even flush a toilet, know that someone has made all that possible. Maybe in the future, that someone will be you!

For more information on Moraine Park programs, like water technology, visit morainepark.edu.

Today’s Blog is all about Water Quality Technology, and although the profession is not on everyone’s radar for career choice, maybe it should get a serious look.

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Have you heard of the water quality and management career opportunities?

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Today as July 2018 disappears into our rear view mirrors, and August approaches quickly, students and teachers around the nation prepare for the upcoming year.

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As we begin to look at options for a career, we may consider education, maybe on-the-job training, or self-study and activity, to prepare for a particular career of choice. There are many options available for the varying careers. One career field that sometimes is overlooked is related to water quality and water management. There are many career options in the water quality and water management fields. Becoming a professional in this career field can include formal education, on-the-job training, and even self- study. There are many paths into this interesting, highly-rewarding, sustainable, and dynamic career field.

An option that may be of interest to many people looking into careers in the field, is an Associate Degree in Water Quality Technology from Moraine Park Technical College. Moraine Park’s program is an accredited degree offered in an online format. Today as more positions are opening and available throughout the U.S. and abroad, an online program may be the right choice for students.
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The school year is flying by and many around the State of Wisconsin are preparing and studying for water and wastewater operator certification exams. The exams are held in November and May.

As I teach many of the prospective operators in both disciplines, a subject that comes to mind is related to mathematics. Math is used in many career areas, and the same applies to the water and wastewater industries. When preparing for the exam, math will be worth reviewing and understanding. With today’s spreadsheets, hidden formulas, automated recording and other tools utilizing our various technologies, math behind the scenes is sometimes a forgotten skill.

But I will share a couple of stories with you that identifies the need to recall and utilize this skill. The good news is that Moraine Park Technical College’s Water Quality Technology program and water operator certification preparatory courses cover the operator related math and formulas well.
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Several months ago, eight faculty including myself, were selected to take part in the inaugural MPTC Teaching Fellows Program. Our mentor for the program is Dean of General Studies, Dr. Jennifer Lanter. During the program, faculty shared teaching experiences, gained knowledge related to learner-centered teaching approaches, discussed innovative teaching practices in a collaborative environment, and explored new teaching strategies.
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