Overview
As part of the summer skilled trades academy, area high school seniors who are unsure if they want to attend college can learn more about careers in the water and wastewater sector.
The city and PfISD have worked with the Texas chapter of the American Water Works Association to regionalize the academy, per city documents, to include the cities of Round Rock, Austin and Manor. In doing so, the group was able to attract over 23 high school students from around the area to participate in the academy.
Pflugerville Public Utility Director Brandon Pritchett said at the end of the course, students are able to test for and earn a Provisional Class D Water Operator license.
“Most of the time, myself included, you kind of stumble into this,” he said. “You don't go, ‘Oh, I wonder where wastewater goes?’ You kind of stumble into that career. Most people don't understand that there's a lot of skilled trades people that are involved in water and wastewater.”
Diving deeper
Per the agreement, PfISD is responsible for providing classroom instruction, computers and transportation to site visits.
The city will provide subject matter experts within the water and wastewater utility trade to provide supplemental instruction and field instruction. The city will also provide opportunities for field trips and tours for students.
Graduates who successfully complete the summer academy may serve as interns for the city for up to 30 days between July 2025 and May 2026. Participants will also be provided an interview for an open position, if available, with Pflugerville’s water and wastewater utility department.
