The GMWEA Training Committee provides annual spring and fall meetings that offer members technical training sessions, awards programs and participation in officer elections. The fall meeting includes a trade show, which features state-of-the-art water and water quality-related equipment and services. There are also regular training sessions for members on subjects such as water or wastewater math, laboratory and plant safety, and Sacramento courses.

Training resources are enhanced by GMWEA's affiliation with the New England Water Environment Association and the New England Water Works Association. In addition, cooperative efforts with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, the New England Interstate Environmental Training Center and local facilities provide nearby resources to carry out necessary operator training.

GMWEA Calendar

Last updated 2/24/10

• The Vermont Small Business Development Center has an ongoing list of training events. Most of these are applicable for public works employees. Please visit their website at www.vtsbdc.org for a complete listing.
  
  Please note that these classes are not precertified for credits towards your license, but could be elligible for credit. Check with the certification staff at Water Supply and Wastewater Management directly.

• New! Basic Wastewater Math
  Three Sessions beginning on Wednesday, March 3, 2010
  - Rutland WWTP, Rutland Taught by NEIWPCC. $95.00 for GMWEA Members.
  Please download the registration flyer for complete details, course schedule and fee schedule.

• Ethics and Water System Operation
  March 16, 2010 Rutland Course Code: #TEO310AP
  8:00 A.M.- 11:30 A.M. 0.3 CEU (3.0 TCH) or
  March 17, 2010 S. Burlington Course Code: #TEO310BP
  8:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. 0.3 CEU (3.0 TCH)
  Course Description: This class is designed to introduce the importance of ethics in the field of drinking water. Often times we are all face with the temptation to do something that we believe is harmless and will temporarily make our lives easier, but may be contrary to what we believe is "right". By establishing a proper code of conduct, and training employees to follow that code, many of the temptations can be avoided. Starting with an explanation of what "ethics" entails, the class will define the steps in the creation of a code of conduct. Next, once the code is established, the methods of applying the code to everyday workplace situations will be discussed, then illustrated by a short exercise by the group of participants.
  Registration Fee: GMWEA members, $40.00; NEWWA members, $80.00; non-members, $100.00 You may register for this class using this registration form.
  

• Sound Procedures For Drinking Water Sampling
  March 16, 2010 Rutland Course Code: #BSP310AP
  12:15 P.M.- 3:30 P.M. 0.3 CEU (3.0 TCH) or
  March 17, 2010 S. Burlington Course Code: #BSP310BP
  12:15 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. 0.3 CEU (3.0 TCH)
  Course Description: This course is designed to provide fundamental information to anyone who is responsible for taking drinking water samples. This seminar will explain key concepts and sound scientific procedures that should be included in every sampling program. Instruction will focus on the need for accurate sampling, and follow the sample through the "chain of custody" to its eventual analysis. Proper sampling methods are critical in evaluating the quality of the water you produce, or distribute. Without strict attention to detail in procedures and methodology, a host of problems can develop. Don't let this happen to you! Though this seminar is lecture and discussion based, it will feature focused, hands-on demonstrations to illustrate essential points and techniques. Practical instructional materials, which can be referenced during the seminar, or "on the job," will be provided.
  Registration Fee: GMWEA members, $40.00; NEWWA members, $80.00; non-members, $100.00 You may register for this class using this registration form.
  

• New! Basic Wastewater Treatment with Math (Sacramento Course). This will take the place of the GMWEA course this year!
  Six Sessions beginning on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - Vermont Technical College, Randolph
  Taught by NEIWPCC. $140.00 for GMWEA Members.
  Please download the registration flyer for complete details, course schedule and fee schedule.

• Fundamentals of Reading Blueprints
  April 27, 2010 St. Johnsbury Course Code: #DBL410AP
  8:00 A.M.- 3:30 P.M. 0.6 CEU (6.0 TCH) or
  April 28, 2010 S. Burlington Course Code: #DBL410BP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. 0.6 CEU (6.0 TCH)
  Course Description: This full day seminar is specifically designed to help participants develop an understanding of how working drawings are organized, and how to utilize the information contained in them. You will receive instruction in reading several types of drawings including: site plans, floor plans, sections and details, including both architectural and mechanical and plumbing drawings. This seminar will present a step-by-step guide to where specific types of information can be found in a set of working drawings, teach you practical easy concepts to remember, procedures for orienting yourself with a new set of working drawings and provide you with the skills you need to read and understand the information portrayed in engineering drawings.
  Registration Fee: GMWEA members, $65.00; NEWWA members, $130.00; non-members, $180.00.
  This course has also been approved by VT DEC for wastewater operator license renewal credit.
  You may register for this class using this registration form.
  

• New! Achieving Nutrient Limits (Real World Experiences)
  Thursday, April 29, 2010 - Burlington Main WWTF
  Taught by NEIWPCC. $55.00 for GMWEA Members.
  Please download the registration flyer for complete details, course and fee schedule.

• How To Successfully Operate & Maintain Your Pump Station
  May 12, 2010 S. Burlington Course Code: #DPS410AP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:30-- P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH) or
  May 13, 2010 Rutland Course Code: #DPS410BP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH)
  Course Description: This full-day seminar is designed to help participants develop an understanding of the basic concepts in safe operation and maintenance of pump stations. Sound procedures will be presented throughout the seminar with a focus on providing the new or seasoned station operator with straight- forward information regarding all major aspects of responsible station operation and maintenance. Beginning with an explanation of station components, this seminar will cover pump types, a basic orientation to safety, automation, water quality monitoring and record keeping. The goal of this seminar is to increase participant awareness of methods that are practical and useful in successfully operating and maintaining a pump station.
  Registration Fee: GMWEA members, $65.00; NEWWA members, $130.00; non-members, $180.00 You may register for this class using this registration form.
  

• New! Vermont Wastewater Operator Certification Exam
  Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - Two locations: Rutland Town Office or Stanley Hall, Room 100 at Vermont State Colleges Waterbury, VT
  Please download the registration packet for complete details, directions and fees.

• Save the Date! GMWEA Spring Meeting
  Thursday, May 20, 2010 - Sugarbush Resort, Warren, VT
  Complete agenda and registration materials to follow in March.
  Please note this is training and the Annual Meeting of the GMWEA Membership. There is no trade show at this event.
  

• Operation & Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems
  Taught by NEIWPCC. $75.00 for GMWEA Members.
  Wednesday and Thursday, June 2 and 3, 2010 (This is a day and a half long course)
  St. Leo's Hall, Waterbury
  Please download the registration packet for complete details, directions and fees.

• Preparing For and Responding To Water Main Breaks
  June 8, 2010 St. Johnsbury Course Code: #DMB410AP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH) or
  June 9, 2010 S. Burlington Course Code: #DMB410BP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH)
  Course Description: This course is designed to assist distribution operators, consultants and contractors to create and evaluate their own plan on how to effectively prepare, respond to, and repair damaged or broken water mains. Details regarding planning for the initial response to a break will be covered to include inventory control and readiness of service vehicles. Incident management will then be presented, including, isolation of the main, partial recovery, and main repairs. Next, methods of returning the main to service will be covered along with the importance and methods of incident record keeping. Case histories will be used to provide examples of the causes of main breaks and how they can be prevented.
  You may register for this class using this registration form.
  Registration Fee: GMWEA members, $65.00; NEWWA members, $130.00; non-members, $180.00
  

• Hands-On Valve Operations and Maintenance
  September 29, 2010 S. Burlington Course Code: #DVO111AP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH) or
  September 30, 2010 Hartford Course Code: #DVO111BP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH)
  Course Description: This seminar will: Teach you step-by-step, the proper procedures for inspection, testing and maintenance of mainline distribution valves and water mains. Teach you the fundamentals of valve and main maintenance. Show you effective maintenance management procedures with the focus on optimal operation of the distribution system. The seminar will feature a "Hands-On" instructional component where you "tear down" each type of valve.
  Registration Fee: GMWEA members, $65.00; NEWWA members, $130.00; non-members, $180.00
  You may register for this class using this registration form.
  

• Effective Project Management
  October 26, 2010 St. Johnsbury Course Code: #MPM211AP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:15 P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH) or
  October 27, 2010 S. Burlington Course Code: #MPM211BP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:15 P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH)
  Course Description: Water utility and organization managers are responsible for managing and coordinating work processes and resources so that they have the greatest overall impact on the success of a project. This seminar on Project Management will focus on communication and relationship management as a means to have greater control, creativity and innovation around Project Management challenges. Strategies will be explored, tools will be presented and the importance of good performance coaching will be discussed. The focus will be on practical and relevant examples that you will be able to implement following the completion of this workshop.
  Registration Fee: GMWEA members, $65.00; NEWWA members, $130.00; non-members, $180.00 You may register for this class using this registration form.
  

• The Troubleshooter: Maximizing Your Pumping Efficiency
  November 3, 2010 S. Burlington Course Code: #DTS211AP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH) or
  November 4, 2010 Rutland Course Code: #DTS211BP
  8:00 A.M. - 3:00-- P.M. 0.6CEU (6.0 TCH)
  Course Description: This full-day seminar is designed to help improve pumping reliability and to increase pump service life while decreasing maintenance budgets. Participants will develop a broader understanding of pump design, theory of operation, proper installation techniques and maintenance procedures. "Real world" examples will be utilized to help integrate efficient troubleshooting methods to assist in the day-to-day operations of a pump station.
  Registration Fee: GMWEA members, $65.00; NEWWA members, $130.00; non-members, $180.00 You may register for this class using this registration form.
  

• Save the Date! GMWEA Fall Conference and Trade Show
  Thursday, November 4, 2010 - Sheraton Hotel, Burlington, VT
  Complete agenda and registration materials to follow in October.
  Vendor materials and trade show registration available in May.
  

• Backflow Prevention Device Inspector/ Tester Training
  November 15-18, 2010 S. Burlington Course Code: #CBF211DT
  8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. 2.0CEU (20.0 TCH)
  Course Description: The course is presented from a practical viewpoint with a blend of information and hands-on-testing. The introduction will discuss backflow (the unwanted reverse flow of liquids in a piping system) and the causes. Items to be discussed include installation of backflow prevention devices to protect the water supplies from cross-connections that could allow contamination or pollution to enter the system. The philosophies and devices of fixture outlet protection and containment protection are presented. The different degrees of hazard will be discussed and how they relate to choosing appropriate devices. Both large and small devices will be covered. You will receive hands-on experience on devices including trouble shooting failing devices based on thorough information presented on how backflow valves work. You will receive written information on each of the individual New England states' cross connection control regulations. Our objective is to have you feel confident as an inspector by knowing the dangers of backflow, the devices, how the devices work, what an inspector's responsibilities are and successfully passing the exams and become a certified backflow prevention device inspector in all New England States.
  Registration Fee: GMWEA members, $330.00; NEWWA members, $660.00; non-members, $660.00 You may register for this class using this registration form.
  

Visit these organizations for additional training opportunities:

• Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation
  
• New England Water Environment Association
  
• New England Water Works Association
  
• New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
  
• Vermont Rural Water Association
  
• Vermont League of Cities and Towns
  
• RCAP Solutions