Klamath Falls, Oregon – Klamath Community College (KCC) in Klamath Falls has announced the beginning of a groundbreaking apprenticeship program in well drilling in response to the growing need for qualified well drillers in southern Oregon. This project is especially important as the area is experiencing severe drought that rapidly empties local wells.
Given the falling local water table, the demand for skilled operators capable of drilling fresh water wells is more pressing than ever. Supported by a $975,000 emergency funding from the Oregon governor’s office and the Oregon Water Resources Department, KCC has acquired a state-of- the-art DRILLMAX® DM450 drilling rig to equip students with the required skills and technologies.
Director of the KCC apprenticeship program Mark Griffith underlined the strategic value of this expenditure. Griffith claims that acquiring the DRILLMAX® DM450 marks a major step towards arming a qualified workforce able to address the water scarcity concerns directly. Griffith further mentioned that the initiative intends to be the main training center for the whole Oregon state.
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The apprenticeship program is specifically meant to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Through relationships with nearby drilling businesses, apprentices will receive hands-on training and engage in online courses provided by KCC. This useful strategy guarantees that students apply their knowledge in practical situations in addition to learning in a classroom.
One important feature of the initiative is its cooperation with the welding program of KCC. Well drillers must be excellent in welding to fix well casings, which are essential for avoiding pollution of aquifers and wells, which makes this integration necessary. Griffith claims that some students have already begun attending welding courses in expectation of the introduction of the new curriculum.
Apart from technical knowledge, the program offers basic geology with an emphasis on aquifers crucial for drilling activities. KCC is also looking at appointing a geologist to improve the learning process by offering professional direction and geological knowledge on the issues of well drilling.
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Students must pass demanding tests given by the Oregon Water Resources Department and conduct at least 15 field visits to drilling sites in order to be licensed well drillers. This certification process is meant to guarantee that graduates not only possess knowledge but are also completely ready to satisfy the requirements and challenges of the sector.
Assistant watermaster for the Klamath basins, Caleb Puszkowicz highlighted the seriousness of the matter. Officials in the Klamath basin have recorded over 1,280 dry well complaints since 2021, with 255 last year alone. Puszkowicz believes that the training and expertise that KCC’s program offers are essential in the fight against the drought’s impact on the Klamath community.
KCC’s new apprenticeship program reflects a proactive attempt to solve southern Oregon’s environmental issues and offers its citizens worthwhile job prospects. The need of competent well drillers has never been more important in guaranteeing sustainable water access to everyone since water shortage still presents a major obstacle.
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