Water Treatment Operator Training

This program addresses the critical training gaps in the Matawa First Nation communities with limit access to clean drinking water by supporting the proper operation, maintenance, and oversight of water treatment plants located on-reserve.

Funded by Indigenous Services Canada, and KKETS will train up to 24 participants through the Water Treatment Operator-in-Training (OIT) Program, delivered in partnership with Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Trained operators will play a key role in resolving long-term boil water advisories in four Matawa communities and in helping to prevent future advisories in the remaining five. The four communities currently under long-term advisories include:
Neskantaga First Nation
under advisory since February 1995 (one of the longest in Canada)

Nibinamik First Nation
under advisory since February 2013

Marten Falls First Nation
under advisory since July 2005

Eabametoong First Nation
under advisory since August 2001

Operator-in-Training Certificate

An Operator-in-Training (OIT) is an entry-level certification that allows individuals to begin working in a municipal water treatment system while gaining the hands-on experience required to advance in the field.

With an OIT license, you can work under supervision and accumulate the one year of practical experience necessary to qualify for the Class 1 Water Treatment Operator certification. To achieve this next level, you must also pass the Class 1 Water Treatment Exam.

The OIT license is valid for three years, with the option to renew once for an additional three years if needed.


Acceptance Criteria 

This program is ideal for individuals currently working at water treatment plants or those interested in pursuing a career in water treatment. We encourage applicants from the nine Matawa communities, with priority given to students from reserves with long-term boiled water advisories.

Twelve students from the nine Matawa communities will be accepted into each cohort.
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Cohort 1 (5 Weeks)

Requires completion of Grade 12 or an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Cohort 2 (7 Weeks)

Requires completion of the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Online Program, with portions of the program completed during the 7-week training period.

Breakdown of Training and Accommodation 

Living Accommodations

Transportation, hotel/living accommodations, and meals are provided. A living/spending cash stipend will also be award to students who consistently attend class. Childcare services are also available upon request.

Training Materials

1) iBook/iPad - Students completing the program will be given an iPad. The iBook prepares students for the Entry Level OIT license and Class 1 water treatment exams. The iBook contains guided tutorials, videos, links and interactive avatars. It was created in consultation with Indigenous operators from Northwestern Ontario and highlights operators and plants in our regional First Nation communities.

2) Training Software - This game-based training program was specifically created to support entry level operators in becoming Class 1 certified. It includes OIT and Class 1 Drinking water /wastewater training. Students receive “badges” as they progress, and levels get more complex.

Training Program Overview  

Cohort 1: Sunday June 15th – Saturday July 19th 2025
Requirements: Completed Grade 12/ Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OOSD)
Cohort 2: Sunday January 11th – Saturday February 28th 2026
Requirements: Completion of Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Online Program

Training Schedule


 Cohort 1 With Grade 12 Cohort 2 Without Grade 12
1) Wellness Program 1 week 1 week
2) Academic Career Entrance Program (AEC) None 2 weeks
3) Grade 12 Upgrading Course 2 weeks 2 weeks
4) Introduction to Water Treatment Plant Operations 1 week 1 week
5) Operator-In-Training (OIT) Exam Prep 4 days 4 days
6) OIT Licensing Exam 1 day 1 day
Total: 5 weeks 7 weeks


1) Wellness Program 

Students will learn tools to navigate mental health and wellness, as well as pre-employment training modules. Training will take place at the Matawa Wellness and Training Centre in Thunder Bay. Modules include: Navigating workplace barriers, understanding HR Policies, bullying, harassment, lateral violence, Mentor session, stress and time management, conflict resolution as well as breathwork, meditations, personality assessments, understanding impacts of physical health as well as cultural components from Elders and 7 Grandfather teachings.

2) Academic Career Entrance Program (AEC) 

For applicants without Grade 12 or equivalent, the ACE program helps students prepare for college and careers through essential skills training. Students must complete four credits to earn the ACE certificate. In class ACE training will be conducted in the Cohort 2 training program. 

3) Grade 12 Upgrading Course 

In depth review of math skills required for water treatment. Courses are designed to refresh math skills learned in Grade 12 education and bridge the gap in skill needed to be an effective operator. 

4) Introduction to Water Treatment Course 

In class introduction and overview of water treatment and hands on training in confederation college’s water treatment laboratory. 

5) Operator-in-Training Exam Prep

Students will spend four days reviewing exam materials and practicing for their exam in-class. 

6) Operator-in-Training Licensing Exam 

Students will be given up to 3 hours to complete the OIT licensing exam. The exam will be held at Confederation College and will be proxied.