Water Treatment Operator Training Program 2025-2026

Funded by Indigenous Services Canada, KKETS will train up to 24 clients for the KKETS Water Treatment Plant Operator Training Program in partnership with Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
This program will help address long-term water boiling advisories in 4 of the 8 Matawa communities KKETS ISETS serves.
  • Neskantaga First Nation has one of the longest running water boil advisories in Canada with an advisory set in February 1995. 
  • Nibinamik First Nation has been under a water boil advisory since February 2013. 
  • Marten Falls First Nation has been under a water boil advisory since July 2005.
  • Eabametoong First Nation has been under a water boil advisory since August 2001.
Depending on education levels clients can enter 2 streams depending on whether they have a Grade 12 OSSD or whether they do not. 

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Cohort 1: 5 Weeks, June 16 – July 18th, 2025

12 students who have their OSSD with preference from LTDWA communities Eabametoong, Marten Falls, Neskantaga and Nibinamik on a first come first serve bases. As well as students from Aroland, Constance Lake, Ginoogaming and Webequie.

Cohort 2: 7 Weeks, September 2 – October 17th

202512 students who do not have their OSSD from LTDWA communities and our remaining 4 non-LTDWA communities.

Training will include: 

KKETS 1-Week 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. 

OIT Training and Certification 

Duration:
4 weeks (With grade 12) – Cohort 1
6 Weeks (without Grade 12) – Cohort 2
Location: Thunder Bay, MTWC Classroom and Confederation College
Courses
• Introduction to Water Operations
• Math – Water Operations
• Water Treatment Lab - Hands on training
• OIT Course and Exam (with First Nation Instructor)

Professional Development

Duration: 52 Weeks
Location: Online – self paced

Operator in Training - Interactive iBook and Training Guide 

The iBook prepares students for the OIT, Class 1 and Entry Level Drinking Water 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.

Water Operator 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.

Academic Career Entrance Program (ACE) – virtual/self-paced/online 

The ACE grade 12 equivalency program helps students prepare for college and careers through essential skills training. Students must complete four credits to earn the ACE certificate. 

Entry Level Prep and Exam (In person) 

Duration: 2 Weeks
Location: Thunder Bay

Entry Level Drinking Water Course 

Self-study and classroom portions will be in-person with an instructor. The Entry Level Drinking Water Course (ELC) is a mandatory course for all drinking water operators.
Successful completion of the ELC is needed to renew a drinking water Operator-in-Training certificate or obtain a Class 1 drinking water certificate ELC completion certificate valid for 10 years.
Travel, accommodations, training allowances will be covered.