At the beginning of July, this second group of interns started the program with online delivery. In August, they started work placements in their water treatment plants. They are working alongside interns that joined the program earlier in the year. Hands on learning and integrated mentorship in the treatment plants creates a unique experience for Water First interns.
Meet some of the latest interns to join the team
Since the router was sent, all three have completed the Small Water Systems Certification that was delivered online.
[I'm] learning a lot of things I didn't know about - water source protection and everything that goes with it. [Water First is] teaching a lot of things that a community needs for clean water.
Nathan Copenance, Washagamis Bay First Nation
Thank you Water First and Bimose for putting this program together for us. Thanks for always checking up on me for quizzes and making sure I’m doing my work. I need that kind of motivation in my life.
Jeremy Ledoux, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
We have asked for and received a Letter of Invitation from the communities where we plan to visit for August and September, recognizing that there is continued risk, but that we will work together to travel and train as safely as possible, following established precautions and protocols.
Jen Atkinson, Director of Operations, Water First
With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted it was essential to communicate about safety protocols with our partners at Bimose Tribal Council. We were very excited to be invited to travel to Kenora with clear social distancing and hygiene measures in place. The joy and excitement of the team to be able to meet with the interns face to face was immense. Walkerton Clean Water Center delivered the second week of Entry Level Course training and certification exam in August to the entire group.
A second certification that the Internship program prepares the interns to take is the Operator in Training (OIT) certification exam. Passing this exam is mandatory to become an OIT.
The exam has been set for the end of September. The interns are deep into their studies and preparations for this important milestone of the Water First Internship program.