CITY OF MANCHESTER’S AUSTIN HAITHCOTE AMONG FIRST TO COMPLETE STATEWIDE UTILITY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

TAUD Program Offers Pathway to Successful Careers, Provides the Next Generation of Workforce 

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (December 21, 2023) – Officials with the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD) recently announced that the City of Manchester Water & Sewer Department’s Austin Haithcote is among the first to complete its statewide apprenticeship program since its launch in 2020.  In November, Haithcote joined Gleason Water System’s Clay Wright to become the first participants to complete the program. 

Haithcote, the first participant to enroll in the statewide program, recently completed the program’s final requirement when he successfully passed the Tennessee Water Treatment Operator Exam. As a result, Haithcote is now a multi-certified operator.

The program is administered by TAUD, the statewide utility association that provides a variety of technical support and services to water, wastewater, and gas utilities, and the National Rural Water Association’s (NWRA) Apprenticeship Program.  Since its inception, the program has proven to be an effective blueprint to help Tennesseans embark on a career working for their local water provider as utilities seek to recruit the next generation of professionals. 

“The program helped set the course for my future and opened doors to what I was striving for professionally,” said Haithcote.  “At times it was very challenging, but the staff at TAUD and our water department in Manchester were very supportive.”ArrayArray

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The two-year, paid program is designed to prepare apprentices for certification as water or wastewater systems operations specialists by combining on-the-job-training with related technical instruction.  Each program scholarship is valued at $2,000 to assist with the related technical instruction and coursework for approved apprentices.

Funding for the scholarship was generously provided by Hawkins, Inc., a national supplier and distributor of water treatment chemicals. 

“Austin’s hard work and persistence enabled him to succeed in the program and achieve his goal of certification,” said Kevin Byrd, TAUD Workforce Development Coordinator. “He was extremely diligent in completing all of the required courses as well as the many hours of on-the-job training that the program demands of each apprentice.”

Manchester Water & Sewer Director Phil Miller served as Haithcote’s mentor throughout his time in the program and played a key role in making his participation possible. 

With up to 50 percent of the rural water workforce retiring from the water industry within the next 10 years, water and wastewater utilities need skilled workers to maintain the infrastructure necessary to keep service areas capable of providing clean, safe water to its community members.

Apprentices gain knowledge and experience in all areas related to the day-to-day operation of a water or wastewater facility while working under the supervision facility operators and supervisors.  Participants are required to complete the program with several certifications and valuable experience that will make them an asset to their community and ensure the continued integrity of their water or wastewater facility.  

About TAUD

The Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD) is comprised of America’s finest water, wastewater and natural gas personnel providing the highest quality of service for Tennessee’s residents.  TAUD provides training, technical assistance, and advocacy to these industry professionals. For more information about TAUD, please visit www.taud.org or follow on Facebook (Tennessee Association of Utility Districts) and Instagram @taudwater.

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