North Chicago training program hosts open house

Growing up in North Chicago, Darrell King has always felt a drive to give back to his hometown. For 15 years, King was a youth football coach, coaching kids of all ages, including spending one year as the head varsity football coach at North Chicago Community High School.

King now serves as the water production bureau chief for the city of Evanston. a career he loves. It's also a career that will soon be in high demand for a new generation of workers.

According to the American Water Works Association, "It's been estimated that almost 50 percent of today's water and wastewater operators will retire within the next five to seven years."

With that large of an exodus of workforce, the industry right now is scrambling to fill the pipeline of replacements. With the number of qualified water treatment operators expected to be in short supply, those who are already working toward their accreditation will see more opportunities for employment and advancement in the industry.

Darrell King saw an opportunity. As more than half of his colleagues prepare for retirement, perhaps he could help the youth of the North Chicago community, while also helping his profession with a looming problem.

With the help two relatives who work for North Chicago Community School District 187, King started the process to develop a training program for high school students. The group also received assistance from Dr. Ben Martindale, CEO of District 187. With Martindale's "green light," the program was launched.

King's sister, Tara Cook, and cousin, Trendelle Vaughn, both worked as liaisons between the school district and King's program. They also helped recruit students to participate.

The Operator in Training program started in January of 2016 with nine students. Three of the students in the program participated in a paid summer internship with the City of North Chicago. There are currently six students participating. King hopes to see those number increase as more become aware of the program and its benefits.

The program has the interest of more than just the North Chicago community - the Operator in Training program is a pilot for the state of Illinois.

With a median annual salary around $45,000, according to the US Department of Labor, becoming a water treatment operator can be a lucrative career for someone finishing up high school. A typical entry-level job as a water treatment operator only requires a high school diploma, a passing grade on the state licensing test, and six months "hands-on" experience.

King's Operator in Training program offers students the opportunity for the adequate education to pass the state test, plus receive some, if not all, of the practical experience necessary. All or most of this is done while the student is still in high school.

King says his program couldn't be a success without the help of a lot of people. Since beginning the Operator in Training program, King has received offers from all over the state from municipalities offering practical experience and educational opportunities for the students. The program has also had the support of the Illinois Section American Water Works Association.

Additionally, North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. has been enthusiastic with his support.

"The City of North Chicago is proud to be the pilot utility for this program," Rockingham said. "North Chicago is planning to expand it next year as we share this common goal of having more young people introduced to water treatment careers."

King hopes his pilot program at North Chicago High School will help other programs elsewhere take off.

"One program won't address the (future employment) problem the water treatment industry is facing," he said.

As he see more success in North Chicago, he'd love to see other programs around Illinois and the nation develop. The program also wouldn't be a success without King's drive. He donates all of his time.

The Operator in Training program at North Chicago High School is open to juniors and seniors who have an interest in exploring the career opportunities as a water treatment operator. King plans to host an open house at North Chicago Community High School at 6 p.m. Oct. 25. The evening will focus on providing information to perspective students and their families.

Costs are generally limited to books, which are sometimes covered by program sponsors. More information on the open house is available on the North Chicago District 187 website at www.ncchs.d187.org.

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