BPSUD Apprentice Completes TRWA Program, Secures Federal Certification

In a ceremony highlighting local workforce development, Bolivar Peninsula Special Utility District (BPSUD) employee Rocky Harrod was officially recognized last Tuesday for completing the Texas Rural Water Association’s (TRWA) Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The presentation, held at BPSUD headquarters in Crystal Beach, featured the delivery of a Certificate of Completion from the U.S. Department of Labor alongside a commemorative plaque for the utility district.

TRWA apprenticeship program

The two-year intensive program addresses a looming workforce crisis across the water industry. According to TRWA Apprenticeship Program Manager Kevin Jesse, between 30% and 50% of current water and wastewater professionals are expected to reach retirement age within the next decade.

“This is a real ‘takes a village’ scenario,” Jesse said during the presentation. “We couldn’t do this without the backing of y’all here at Bolivar Peninsula.”

To earn the federal certification, Harrod completed 4,000 hours of structured on-the-job training under the BPSUD mentorship, paired with 288 hours of related technical instruction provided by TRWA. The coursework allowed Harrod to earn his D, C, and CSI (Customer Service Inspection) water licenses while maintaining a full-time role at the district.

A local Bolivar Peninsula resident, Harrod first learned about the fast-track initiative through a colleague shortly after joining the water department. “It required a lot of courses, but it was well worth it,” Harrod noted.

Harrod’s responsibilities at BPSUD include conducting daily operational checks on local water plants, testing chemical residuals and water quality, executing reporting, and assisting field crews with water line repairs across the peninsula.

Beyond immediate qualification, completion of the federally registered apprenticeship provides credit toward higher-level credentials. Harrod plans to leverage his apprenticeship credits to fast-track his Class B water operator license—a credential that typically requires five years of field experience.

Jesse praised Harrod’s dedication to completing the rigorous curriculum, noting that not all candidates finish the program.

“Not everyone can do this. The fact that you were able to get your nose down and get things completed is a real testament,” Jesse added, while also acknowledging former program manager Jacqueline for establishing the groundwork for the apprenticeship initiative.

With his certifications locked in, Harrod remains committed to keeping the water flowing for Bolivar Peninsula residents.

“I’m staying in this,” Harrod said. “This is mainly what I do, and I like it.”