14
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Winter 2014
P
rofessionals in the water and wastewater
industry come in many different forms and have
many different qualifications and backgrounds.
However, the North Carolina Rural Water
Association (NCRWA) would like to offer a
manner in which to recognize those that we
feel have taken the initiative to grow their
professionalism in our industry. We feel the key
areas that define a Utility Professional include:
Leadership, Management, Customer Service,
Administration, Finance and Technology. In
addition to these areas, NCRWA also feels that
networking and participating in industry-related
professional and trade organizations is equally
important. Therefore, we are proud to announce
the Utility Professional program.
Unlike other professional recognitions that are
about taking a class and passing an exam, this
program is about learning and growing. It is
about knowledge and relationships. It is about
acknowledging those that go beyond their job
description to develop the professional within them.
In order to qualify for the Utility Professional
program, an applicate must demonstrate that they
have attended or participated in the following
curriculum of professional development & service-
related opportunities:
42 hours of total training required
(instructor hours are eligible):
• 6 hours of the NCRWA Leadership
Summit classes
• 6 hours of the NCRWA Conference
Leadership Development sessions or
Administrative sessions
• 6 hours of the NCRWA Customer
Service Training seminar
• 18 hours of the Water University
UMC Training Course
• 6 hours of outside professional
development directly related to the areas
of the program (Leadership, Management,
Customer Service, Administration, Finance
and Technology) from one of the following
organizations:
- NCLM
- NCACC
- NCAMC
- AWWA Customer Service or Effective
Utility Management Training series
- NCWOA
- NCAWWA-WEA
- WEF
- UNC School of Government
- Other related organizations
(Emai
if you
would like pre-approval of a provider
or a specific course.)
10 hours of volunteer service to NCRWA
• Conference assistance
- 4 hours maximum per year
• Classroom instruction
- No max
• Program development
- 5 hours max
• Articles for publication/electronic media
outlets
- 2 hours max per article
• New member recruitment (recruiter name
must be listed on new member application
to qualify)
- 5 hours per system member recruited
- 3 hours per associate member recruited
- 1 hour per individual member recruited
• Other related service, email
for preapproval
In order to earn the Utility Professional program,
an applicant must complete the 52-hour
curriculum within any 3-year period and be a
member in good standing. Once completed, they
must download the application form at
and submit it t
or mail it to:
NCRWA
P.O. Box 540
Welcome, NC 27374
U T I L I T Y P R O F E S S I O N A L P R O G R A M
NE W
FROM NCR W
A
Who should be interested in
the Utility Professional program?
Everyone should be interested! Directors, managers,
engineers, operators, contractors, vendors, clerks, billing
and administrative personnel of all types are encouraged
to participate. This curriculum is about expanding your
knowledge and developing beneficial relationships with
other professionals in your industry.
What does it cost to apply for
the Utility Professional program?
Absolutely nothing! NCRWA is interested in seeing
professionals grow by expanding their industry
knowledge and professional relationships.
Is there a renewal for the
Utility Professional program?
No! There’s no continuing education, no renewal fees,
or future exam to take. NCRWA wants to recognize
those that seek to grow and progress in the industry.
Can I use past courses to meet the requirements
for the Utility Professional program?
Yes. Several professionals in our industry should already
be close to meeting the requirements for the recognition.
As long as all required sessions are completed within
3 years prior to the date of application, they are fully
eligible to be used.
What’s the catch?
No catch! We recognize that professionalism develops
as individuals surround themselves with outstanding
colleagues in these types of learning environments. Our
goal is to promote and nurture this growth. Our theory
is that once a person has attended and participated in
this curriculum, they will have developed a network of
peers, increased their knowledge in the target areas, and
have gained several years of experience. All key ingredients
to becoming a Utility Professional!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
