Job Opportunities

Workforce Development

The City of Charlotte, Charlotte Water Launched its first Water Apprenticeship in June 2018. Shortly thereafter, Charlotte Water launched it’s Pipeline Academy programs. These specially crafted programs seek to develop and support a pipeline of future workers with the skills and abilities needed to fill entry-level positions in water/wastewater or similar industries. Now, these same programs are offered at Charlotte Water under the name, Career and Training Academy, so that they can be recognized across departments at the City of Charlotte.

Apprenticeship

Two utility workers wearing bright orange safety vests and hard hats smile on a residential street. A work truck, traffic cones, and utility equipment are visible behind them on a sunny day. One worker wears reflective sunglasses and protective waders. The workers are part of a water utility apprenticeship program performing field work.

 

About: Charlotte Water created the City of Charlotte's first water/wastewater industry apprenticeship program to help individuals achieve the training and experience needed for a successful career at Charlotte Water

Time Commitment: 1-4 years depending on position skill requirements; hired; after successful completion of the program ( obtain Journeyman status)

Education/ Prior Experience: HSD or equivalency/ no direct experience required-transferable skills

City Benefits: Health Benefits Package, Paid City Holidays, Earned Vacation and Sick Days, EAP Services, and City Retirement Contribution

i.e. Apprenticeship: Utility Technician 1, Lift Tech, etc.

Career Training Academy Internship

A Charlotte Water worker in a safety vest stands next to a white utility truck on a sunny residential street lined with trees

 

About: A custom-designed internship program to help individuals achieve the training and experience needed for employment within a career pathway.

Time Commitment: 7 months, Experience and knowledge gained

Education/ Prior Experience: HSD or equivalency/ no direct experience required-transferable skills

City Benefits: Health Benefits Package, Paid City Holidays, Earned Vacation and Sick Days, EAP Services, City Retirement Contribution

i.e. CTA: Water service tech; Manhole Inspector

Career Training Academy Co-Op Internship

A woman stands behind a table with promotional items, water bottles, pens, notebooks, and lanyards in an office or classroom setting

About: An opportunity for recent post-secondary graduates to apply classroom theory and knowledge to a work-based learning experience.

Time Commitment: 1 year, Experience and knowledge gained, minimum of 30 hours per week required

Education/ Prior Experience: Recent or soon-to be post-secondary graduate enrolled in a program of study that is directly aligned to opportunity/ no direct experience required-transferable skills.

City Benefits: Health Benefits Package, Paid City Holidays, Earned Vacation and Sick Days, EAP Services, City Retirement Contribution

i.e. Co-op: Lab analyst, business analyst, survey tech, etc.

Career Training Academy Work Based Learning Experience "Traditional Internship"

About: Opportunity for students currently enrolled in a post-secondary program of study to apply classroom theory and knowledge to a short-term work-based learning experience.

Time Commitment: 3 months minimum, 20 hours per week minimum.

Education/ Prior Experience: Current post-secondary student in a program aligned with the opportunity/ no direct experience required-transferable skills

City Benefits: EAP Services

The Process

Eligibility

  • Qualifications
  • Possession of a valid driver's license.
  • At least 18 years old.
  • High school graduate or have a GED.
  • Post Secondary enrolled or graduated for Co-Op
  • Physically able to perform the work.

Apply

  • All candidates must apply through the online application process at City of Charlotte Human Resources. No e-mailed, mailed, or faxed resumes will be accepted in lieu of the online application process.

Interviews

  • Prescreened and formal interview by a diverse panel.

  • Applications will be accessed for transferable skills and education qualifications.

Selection and Onboarding

  • Drug screening.
  • Background and reference checks.
  • Offer letter.

Start Workforce Development Program

  • Learn and work according to a pre-determined schedule.

Workplace Success Training

  • Regular evaluations and feedback to help with growth and development
  • Ongoing support and feedback.
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Enhancement and help with resume' and interview techniques
  • Certifications and professional industry licenses obtained

Graduate

  • Successful obtainment of full-time employment within the City of Charlotte or in career pathways with community employers.

Benefits of Participation

  • Paid training program.
  • Initial month includes fundamental skills training, worksite tours, financial literacy training, self-awareness/exploration, and skills assessment.
  • On-the-job training will include experience in various water and wastewater industry positions within Charlotte Water.
  • Network with professionals in the field.
  • Develop transferable skills.
  • Explore a career path.
  • Free classroom training.
  • Paid certifications.
  • Eligible for all city benefits.
  • Enhanced promotional opportunities throughout Charlotte Water.
  • Recognized and approved by the North Carolina Department of Labor & Industry; US Department of Labor; North Carolina Community College System; North Carolina Department of Education; and North Carolina Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
  • Veterans benefits available for qualified participants.

 

Apprenticeship Program

Step 1.A Tool For Excellence

Charlotte Water created the City of Charlotte’s first water/wastewater industry apprenticeship program that will increase jobs, training and opportunities for individuals with multiple barriers to employment. Our apprenticeship program is custom-designed to help individuals achieve the training and experience needed for a successful career at Charlotte Water.

Step 2.Career & Education Path

An apprenticeship is a career and educational path that partners classroom and on-the-job training. Apprentices experience wage progression as their skills increase. Upon completion, apprentices earn a national industry-recognized credential from the Department of Labor.

Step 3.Eligibility

  • Possession of a valid driver's license.
  • At least 18 years old.
  • High school graduate or have a GED.
  • Physically able to perform the work.

Step 4.How to Apply

All candidates must apply through the online application process. No e-mailed, mailed, or faxed resumes will be accepted in lieu of the online application process.

Step 5.Career Choice

Apprentices are hired employees with full benefits and resources. Apprenticeships assure a continued pipeline of qualified workers that are skilled and on pace with industry advances.

Step 6.Apprentice Utility Technician

  • Ability to learn and follow instructions as well as safely and effectively use power tools and small equipment.
  • Consistently respond appropriately and professionally to questions or concerns with other employees and city customers.
  • Adhere to safety standards and wear personal protective equipment.
  • Work outside 90% of the time.

Step 7.Benefits that Build a Future

  • Free classroom training.
  • Paid training and certifications.
  • Eligible for all city benefits.
  • Enhanced promotional opportunities throughout Charlotte Water.
  • Recognized and/or approved by the North Carolina Department of Labor & Industry; US Department of Labor; North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina Department of Education and North Carolina Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
  • Veterans benefits available for qualified participants.

Charlotte Water Career Training Academy

Step 1.Charlotte Water Career Training Academy (Pipeline Academy)

  • Paid seven-month program.
  • On-the-job training will include experience in various water and wastewater industry positions within Charlotte Water.

Step 2.More than an Internship

This initiative will develop a pipeline of future workers with the skills and abilities needed to fill entry-level positions in water/wastewater or similar industries.

Step 3.Benefits that Build a Better Future

  • Paid training
  • Fundamental skills training.
  • Network with professionals in the field.
  • Develop transferable skills.
  • Explore a career path.

Step 4.How to Apply

All candidates must apply through the online application process at the City of Charlotte Human Resources Page. No e-mailed, mailed, or faxed resumes will be accepted in lieu of the online application process. 

Step 5.Academy Schedule

Learn and work according to a pre-determined schedule.

Step 6.Eligibility

  • Possession of a valid driver’s license.
  • At least 18 years old.
  • High school graduate or have a GED.
  • Physically able to perform the work.

Charlotte Water Career Training Academy Co-op

Step 1.Charlotte Water Career Training Academy (Pipeline Academy)

  • Paid year long program.
  • The co-op includes fundamental skills training, worksite tours, financial literacy training, and skills assessment to track progress.
  • On-the-job training will include experience in various water and wastewater industry positions within Charlotte Water.

Step 2.More than an Internship

This initiative will develop a pipeline of future workers with the skills and abilities needed to fill entry-level positions in water/wastewater or similar industries.

Step 3.Benefits that Build a Better Future

  • Paid training
  • Fundamental skills training.
  • Network with professionals in the field.
  • Develop transferable skills.
  • Explore a career path.

Step 4.How to Apply

All candidates must apply through the online application process at the City of Charlotte Human Resources Page. No e-mailed, mailed, or faxed resumes will be accepted in lieu of the online application process.

Step 5.Academy Schedule

Learn and work according to a pre-determined schedule

Step 6.Eligibility

  • Possession of a valid driver’s license.
  • At least 18 years old.
  • Recent or soon-to-be post-secondary graduate enrolled in a program of study that is directly aligned to opportunity/ no direct experience required-transferable skills.
  • Physically able to perform the work.

 

 

Videos

Apprenticenship

 

Transcription Utility Technician I Apprentices

0:00

I love um helping other people I love seeing people smiling when they get the help that bring me a sort of a joy

0:07

that okay I'm part of the community and then I help the community and especially when you're passing by the job you done before you're like okay

0:15

I did that job I did that job so yeah it feels good the apprenticeship program in

0:25

Charlotte water has meant so much and that it has allowed us to bring people in from the community and expose them to

0:34

a water and wastewater and sometimes storm water uh career it's been very difficult over the years to draw people

0:42

into the industry because working in water and wastewater is not sexy it is not a sexy career and so this

0:49

apprenticeship program has really given us the opportunity to pre-employ people

0:57

at a stage and get to them and expose them and then move them to full-time employment so we first started out in a two-e Workforce Development program

1:06

where we had learned soft skills about life um about Job um different jobs that we're going to be on U then we went

1:14

hrough another five-week program of on the job training where we were actually at the Zone 4 and where they have a training spot we were down there

1:22

learning the beginning steps of things then we also did some on-site jobs we have a year to get you know complete our apprentiship after that we do get our

1:31

journeyman card or we'll be able to use it anywhere in the nation if we want stay with Charlotte water um opportunity to move up with it uh typical day waking

1:39

up pretty early just so I can get in about 15 minutes ahead of time uh clock in maybe check the computer get some coffee get some breakfast uh go to the

1:48

truck uh I start ordering the parts for this truck uh crank the truck up maybe do a pre-trip get the truck warm uh let we start the day head out to a job or

1:56

figure out what we need to do where where we're located at uh start today when you start as a Apprentice it's just

2:03

a lot of things that they teach you you know you get different s certifications as far as like OSHA um you get your

2:12

journeyman um you get your uh CDL apprentiship they offered a lot of different classes like our um customer

2:19

service training our um FEMA training and um Flagger training Charlotte W actually care about their employees they invest in them it's really a lot of

2:28

opportunities that they give you just the actually you walk in the door so I say they going to give you the tools

2:36

that you need to be successful in the job and outside I mean we just all proud of each other like we all talk about what we've been doing around each Zone

2:44

it's a family thing we got I mean we text each other throughout the day uh when somebody get their permit CDLs we hang out sometimes even outside of work

2:53

so it's nice this apprenticeship program really can change someone's life because because it not only provides you a job

3:02

it also gives you the opportunity to develop that passion for the work that you do for our community every day

 

 

Transcription Meet Construction Inspector Edi Cardoza

0:00

(upbeat music) - My name is Edi Cardoza. I'm a Charlotte Water construction inspector.

0:08

As a construction inspector, it's basically supervise the contractors that they do their job well.

0:15

I test the water pipes, the water, to make sure that it is clear and it have the standard that Charlotte Water wants and needs for the city.

0:27

When I started in Charlotte Water, I started as an apprentice, which it was very helpful because it's a entry level.

0:36

Then from apprentice, jumped to be a crew chief where I had my own crew, and then three years ago, I started as a construction inspector.

0:49

So if you are in high school and you wanna start a career, not a job, a career, this is a good opportunity for you.

0:57

Me, as a bilingual person that speak two languages, I'm able to speak with customers that speak another language.

1:05

And not only that, but I'm able to help them to explain what's going on or what's about to happen in their neighborhood or in their community.

1:15

This was the best option, the best opportunity that I ever had.

1:21

(upbeat music continues)

Co-op Internship

 

Transcription Meet Laboratory Analyst Sandra Kendrick, part of Charlotte Water’s Internship Program

0:00

(upbeat music) - My name is Sandra Kendrick.

0:04

I am a laboratory analyst for Charlotte Water and I work in the chemistry section. So I run chemistry tests on the water.

0:11

I knew that I enjoyed being in the science field, so I went to college after I graduated high school and I studied biology and chemistry.

0:21

So I started looking for jobs that had a lab job.

0:25

I found an internship here at Charlotte Water for the lab and I thought this would be perfect. It's in my field and it's something I enjoy.

0:33

So that's how I started here working at Charlotte Water, and I started the internship program as a co-op and then I was in the program for eight months and then I got hired as a full-time employee here.

0:44

I started in the receiving section, so I was receiving samples and measuring pH.

0:50

After eight months of my internship, there was an open position to be a full-time employee and I loved it so much, I applied and got accepted.

0:59

I got promoted two years after that to a laboratory analyst II in another section.

1:04

Charlotte Water has so many opportunities, from science to administration.

1:10

I went back to school with the assistance of Charlotte Water.

1:12

They helped with my tuition, and I got my Master's in Business Administration, my MBA.

1:17

I would definitely apply if it's something you're interested in.

1:20

Keep your mind open 'cause you never know where you're gonna end up.

1:22

(upbeat music)

Current Job Openings

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