The Maintenance Relief Operator (MRO) Apprentice Program is designed to develop Citizens Energy Group employees for Water Production Department positions that require water treatment licensing and certifications. In the following Q&A, two employees who have completed the program and moved on to other positions share more about their experiences.
Sean Stamps (below, right) has moved on to a Maintenance Relief Operator position, and Damon Taylor (below, left) is a Plant Operator. Both work at the White River Water Treatment Plant.
1. When did you begin the MRO Apprentice Program?
Sean: I joined Citizens as an MRO Apprentice in May 2018.
Damon: I started at Citizens in the apprentice program in October 2016.
2. What interested you about the apprentice program?
Sean: I chose the MRO program because it is unique. I could not find any other programs that offer a chance to obtain the license required to operate water treatment plants. I looked at other apprenticeships but I feel the MRO program had more to offer due to the diverse tasks you are required to learn.
Damon: I wanted a fresh start with a reputable company where there was opportunity for growth.
3. How would you describe the program to others?
Sean: The apprenticeship program offers participants the opportunity to gain a large skillset. I liked the fact that I would gain skills from welding, fabrication, and mechanical repair to biology, chemistry, and water treatment sciences.
Damon: The program is 100 percent hands-on and team-based.
4. What is a typical day like for an apprentice?
Sean: An apprentice could perform duties ranging from routine daily maintenance of the plant, to helping the plant operator by obtaining water samples and running scheduled tests of water quality.
Damon: Every day, the program is all about continuously learning and constantly working together to solve problems. All the individuals who went through the program with me came from different types of backgrounds. Therefore, some were stronger in certain aspects of the program than others. We all taught and learned from one another and helped each other study for the licensing exam.
5. What skills or qualifications are helpful in this position?
Sean: Any skills related to maintenance or mechanical repair would be valuable to have, as well as a working knowledge of basic science principles.
Damon: My experience in troubleshooting and my willingness and drive to learn were beneficial to me in completing the program.
6. What do you enjoy most about your current job?
Sean: I like the variety that my job as an MRO offers. I also enjoy the people with whom I work. We consider ourselves a team and work together to get tasks completed.
Damon: Now that I am a Plant Operator, my job is repetitive, which I enjoy because it challenges me to run the plant smoother than I did the day before. I appreciate the support I receive from my coworkers as well as our supervisors, who go above and beyond to help however necessary to keep the plant running.
7. Would you recommend the program? Why?
Sean: Yes, I would recommend the program to any person who likes to learn new skills and is looking for a field with advancement opportunities. The apprenticeship program is a good first step to a variety of water treatment opportunities within Citizens.
Damon: Yes, I would and have recommended this program to others. It offers opportunities to learn new skills and expand your career.
More About the Program
The MRO Apprentice Program, which began in December 2015, is a succession-planning initiative that will develop an internal pool of licensed operators to fill key positions when they are vacated. The program also is intended to address the operational needs within the department associated with facility maintenance.
The program includes up to 18 months of training. The employees must pass a WT-5 (water treatment) Operating License exam.
Interested in the program or know someone who might be? Find more information, including program guidelines, FAQs, and licensing requirements at https://citizensenergy.sharepoint.com/sites/WaterApprenticeProgram.
