To address industry-wide workforce challenges and an increasing demand for skilled operators, the City of County of Honolulu’s (CCH) Department of Environmental Services (ENV) partnered with Brown and Caldwell to create the Training, Development, and Retention (TDR) Program for its Division of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal (WTD). The first-of-its-kind program aims to build foundational knowledge and confidence in wastewater operations, foster a culture of communication and peer mentoring, develop troubleshooting skills, and ultimately prepare participants for the Grades 1 and 2 wastewater operator certification exams.

Through hands-on training, mentorship, and professional development, the TDR Program is strengthening CCH’s workforce while helping maintain the reliable operation of critical wastewater infrastructure. The program demonstrates how investing in people can build a resilient, diverse, and highly skilled team prepared to meet the evolving challenges of protecting public health and the environment.

Learn more about CCH ENV: https://www.honolulu.gov/env/

Learn more about the program: https://www.honolulu.gov/env/wastewater-treatment-plant-operator-trainee-program/