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USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs has consistently supported rural communities in completing necessary upgrades to their water and wastewater facilities.

WEP is instrumental in helping rural America maintain affordable water access for all rural people, and it is imperative that Rural Water’s voice and priorities are heard within the Halls of Congress and within our nation’s leadership. Through our combined thousands of rural leaders from every state, we can ensure Congress and the Trump Administration know that WEP is the trusted partner for rural America and must be maintained.

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October 2025 Issue

Blog: Apprenticeship

Cool things taking shape!

Wastewater has officially been approved as a recognized occupation under the MRWA Apprenticeship Program! We now proudly offer apprenticeships for both Water and Wastewater Operators, helping utilities strengthen their workforce and prepare for the next generation of skilled operators.

Maryland Rural Water Association has been selected as a 2025 Community Development Network of Maryland Award recipient! MRWA’s Apprenticeship Program was recognized with the Infrastructure Impact Award at the annual CDN meeting on October 27, 2025— honoring our commitment to building a sustainable, well-trained workforce that protects Maryland’s most vital resource: clean water! Thanks to RMC for the nomination. 

Take advantage of available funding

We’re proud to announce that MRWA has been awarded grant funding from the Rural Maryland Council and the Maryland Department of Labor to cover the cost of Related Technical Instruction (RTI) for 12 additional apprentices statewide.

In addition, the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is offering $2,500 stipends for mentors and $5,000 stipends for apprentices. We’re thrilled to share that five mentors and five apprentices from our program have already applied and been awarded these funds!

Eligible Applicants Ready to Work in Your Region

We currently have eligible applicants ready to work in several regions across Maryland, including: Aberdeen, Baltimore, Cambridge, Fort Washington, La Plata, and Oakland— just to name a few.

If your utility is looking to hire or expand your team, reach out! We can help match you with a qualified apprentice and connect you with available funding opportunities.

On the Road with MRWA — Apprenticeship Events Near You

MRWA is glad to support RMC and their mission to improve quality of life in Rural Maryland.  We are a sponsor for their upcoming Rural Maryland Summit. This event brings together voices from across the state to discuss key issues, potential legislation, and innovative solutions impacting our rural communities.   November 19 & 20, 2025 at The DoubleTree Annapolis, 8am-5pm.
Register for Rural Summit