A new program for waterworks training is underway at Collin College. The college received more than $158,000 for its new waterworks training program, which is being developed in partnership with the North Texas Municipal Water District, a regional wholesale water, wastewater and solid waste services provider. Funding comes from the state, which awarded over $5.2 million in Texas Talent Connection grants to different innovative job placement and workforce training programs. The waterworks program was one of 15 programs in the state to receive funding. Collin College’s program aims to address the escalating shortage of workers in the water and wastewater treatment industry, according to a Collin College news release. “This new program will help develop a pipeline of future employees critical to supporting our fast-growing North Texas region,” said Tom Kula, NTMWD executive director, in the release. The Waterworks program will be available for 60 students, who can choose between two training paths, including water- or wastewater-operator training. The program will result in a Class D water or wastewater license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, according to the release. After participants are licensed, they will take part in a five-week internship to get on-the-job training. Linda Wee, director of workforce and professional development at Collin College Continuing Education, said the program is set to start this fall and will hopefully be a program Collin College can provide for years to come.