TAFE NSW graduate Nathan Williams has combined qualifications in electricity and water operations, putting him on the frontline to tackle challenges facing one of our most precious resources.

The demand for water, and those qualified to manage its use, increase as the population increases.

While this growing demand in the water management sector wasn’t the reason Mr Williams enrolled in TAFE NSW to gain another qualification, it has become an important addition to his role with Wingecarribee Shire Council.

The Southern Highlands local has an Associate Diploma in Electrotechnology and worked on electrical systems in the mining industry before taking on a role with council. He now services and maintains equipment at the water treatment and sewer facilities throughout the region.

“I’m an inquisitive person and wanted to understand the water treatment processes beyond what I was working on electrically,” Mr Williams said.

“I enrolled in Certificate III Water Industry Operations to get a detailed understanding of the systems, and to gain skills and a qualification in another part of the sector.”

TAFE NSW delivers Certificate III in Water Operations via a mix of online, on campus and workplace-based learning throughout the state. “The flexibility in the training meant I could fit study in while working full time,” Mr Williams said.

“As a graduate, I am now qualified to identify and respond to water quality issues and have solid knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes.

“These skills add another layer of interest to my work and give me the flexibility to work in both areas of the industry. It also means I have additional skills making me more employable,” he said.

Mr Williams recently stepped in as Water Acting Supervisor with Wingecarribee Shire Council and has enrolled in further water operations training.

Wingecarribee Shire Council, Manager Water Services Graeme Mellor​​​​ said “We support Nathan’s motivation to develop his skills through continued learning. His solutions-focus benefits our team.

“Nathan’s commitment to completing the qualification of Water Operations through TAFE NSW enabled him to recently support the water treatment team, operating one of Council's water treatment plants.

“The knowledge he has gained through his new qualification helps him understand the severity of a problem and prioritise electrical maintenance jobs at treatment plants for our Shire,” Mr Mellor said.

Media contact: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mobile 0466 375 552.