The Metropolitan District is dedicated to building a sustainable pipeline of talent that will continue to sustain the organization’s mission of providing potable water and sewerage services to it’s member and non-member towns.
Part of how we do this is to get students interested in careers in water and the utility industry. We employ three programs at the District: the Summer College Internship Program, the High School Try-A-Trade Program and the Work-based Learning Program to provide hands-on experience in working in a public utility and municipal company.
COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Summer College Internship Program is aimed at hiring students each summer to provide an experience that relates directly to that individual’s course of study while in return providing meaningful work for our company. We believe our interns provide new ideas, skills, and insight that provide a positive impact on our workforce while also exposing them to possible career paths that they may have not thought of.
Program Details:
- Runs up to 9 weeks
- Runs from 1st week of June to 1st week of August
- MDC Facility tours are conducted throughout the course of the program so that interns can view the different MDC facilities. The program coordinator will give instruction on the proper clothing required to wear prior to the tours.
- Interns will participate in a volunteer opportunity in the Hartford community.
- During the course of the 3 month program students cannot work more than 40 hours per week. There are no benefits associated with a student intern position.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older
- Must be enrolled as a student at an accredited college or university
- Complete an online application
*Preference will be given to those residing in MDC member towns
How to Apply:
Check for Employment opportunities between the months of January to April at http://themdc.iapplicants.com
Job postings are posted as “College Intern” and will have the department listed. Students can apply for as many positions as they qualify for. You will need a valid working email address to apply.
TRY A TRADE PROGRAM
The Metropolitan District’s (MDC) “Try-A-Trade” program is a one-week unpaid high school learning program which runs the week of spring break. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors and was created to educate and introduce students to the many career opportunities within the trades and Water/Wastewater utility.
Try a Trade explores several different and profitable career paths through hands on learning! Students will have the opportunity to earn certificates as well as gain knowledge and a better understanding of various career opportunities in the trades and at the MDC. Participants will receive Personal Protective Equipment including a Hard Hat, Safety Glasses, Work Gloves and PPE bag.
Program Details:
· Learn about careers in the trades alongside industry professionals with hands on activities, demonstrations and tours.
· Tour different facilities and departments
· Educational training opportunities such as Flagger certification
· Exposure to various job opportunities within the trades
Potential Career Paths:
· WATER POLLUTION CONTROL -treats wastewater.
· WATER TREATMENT-produces drinking water.
· FIELD OPERATIONS -maintenance and repair of water & sewer assets
· UTILITY SERVICES- manages service connections and technical customer response to customers, construction inspection, technical engineering.
· PLANT MAINTENANCE- Electrical, control systems.
How to Apply:
An email is sent to local High Schools in February with instructions to provide the initial applications to school guidance counselors. All applicants should work through a guidance counselor or school official if they are interested in applying and will need to complete an intake form in order to be considered. This information will be provided to the schools.
There are limited spots available in the Try-A-Trade program and there is no guarantee that applicants will be selected for the program.
We receive all recommendations by March and follow-up with selected candidates for more information. If you or your guidance counselor have any questions, they can reach out to human-resources@themdc.com or call 860-278-7850 x3302.
WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM
The Metropolitan District’s “Work-based Learning” program is an internship program created to educate and introduce participants to the many career opportunities within a Water/Wastewater utility.
Program Details:
- Work alongside industry professionals
- On-the job training in the field
- Educational training opportunities
- Tour different facilities and departments
WORK-BASED LEARNING PLACEMENT OPTIONS
- WATER POLLUTION CONTROL -treats wastewater
- WATER TREATMENT-produces drinking water
- FIELD OPERATIONS -maintenance and repair of water & sewer assets
- UTILITY SERVICES- manages service connections and technical customer response to customers, construction inspection, technical engineering
- PLANT MAINTENANCE- Electrical, control systems
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Earn Minimum $17.00 per hour
- Work up to 40 hours per week (depending on student status and eligibility)
- The department will give instruction on the proper clothing required.
- Complete an online application
The Metropolitan District (District) reaffirms its policy of equal employment opportunity for all qualified individuals without discrimination against any applicant or employee who is a member of any legally protected status, on the basis of, but not necessarily limited to: race, color, religion, age, marital status, sex, special disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, blindness, or any disability when such applicant or employee can, with reasonable accommodation, perform the essential functions of the job. Underscoring this policy is our strong concern for our employees’ dignity and well-being and our commitment to provide for a safe, productive, and professional work environment.
Various agencies of the United States Government require employers to maintain information on applicants pertaining to factors such as race, sex, and type of position applied for. The information requested is for the purpose of our compliance with these record-keeping requirements only and this information is confidential.