RCWD Launches Apprentice Program

LAKE ANDES, SD - Randall Community Water District (RCWD) is proud to announce that four team members have officially entered the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS) Apprenticeship Program. This initiative represents a strategic investment in the local workforce, ensuring that RCWD continues to provide high-quality water services to the region for decades to come.

RCWD would like to recognize its newest apprentices: Jacob Wenzlaff, Aaron Swanson, and Cody Svatos, all residents of Lake Andes, along with Dawson Lensing from Wagner. The apprentices will participate in a structured "earn-while-you-learn" curriculum in partnership with the SDARWS.

"These four individuals are transitioning to a track that strives for excellence every day," said Scott Pick, RCWD General Manager. "We are excited to watch them grow into the specialists our community relies on."

The SDARWS Apprenticeship is a rigorous, two-year training program designed to transform entry-level interest into specialized expertise. By combining formal classroom instruction with hands-on, on-the-job training, the program provides participants with the essential tools required to become successful Operations Specialists upon completion of the program.

"Investing in the next generation of water professionals is not just a benefit to our district; it’s a necessity for the long-term health of water systems across the entire state," said Pick. "By bringing these talented individuals on board today, we are ensuring that the institutional knowledge of our veteran staff is passed down, while also infusing our services with fresh perspectives and energy."